Election campaigns in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency have been gathering momentum, but candidates from all political parties continue to be wary of visiting Keezhallur North and Kannnad region in Keezhallur panchayat. For, the residents in the areas have vowed to boycott all parties that have not succeeded in acquiring land for the expansion of the Kannur International Airport’s runway.
As many as 172 families have been living in a state of uncertainty since 2015, after being compelled to surrender their property following the government’s decision to extend the airport’s runway. However, the government is yet to acquire the necessary land. Frustrated, the residents have now erected a banner with the message, “No political parties should come here seeking votes”.
In 2015, the State government unveiled plans to extend the airport’s runway from 3,050 meters to 4,000 meters, aiming to elevate it to international standards. Initially, 248 acres in Wards 12 and 13 were earmarked for acquisition in Keezhallur grama panchayat. But, nearly a decade later, the expansion remains stagnant. Despite repeated protests and appeals to successive governments by the residents, the State has neither acquired the land nor permitted the residents to develop or sell it.
