07-05-2025
ASHA workers' protest draws wide support in Kannur
The ongoing day-and-night protest march by ASHA workers received wide support as it entered Kannur district on Wednesday, with prominent political and social figures expressing solidarity with them.
The march, which began in Kasaragod on Monday (May 5, 2025), is organised by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA) to press its long-standing demands for better pay and working conditions.
Inaugurating the district leg of the protest at Payyannur, poet Madhavan Purachery came down on the State government for 'adopting a neo-liberal and corporate-friendly approach while ignoring people's movements.' He urged the government to build consensus and listen to ASHA workers' demands.
The protest march was ceremonially received at the Payyannur new bus stand by anti-K-Rail activists P. Padmini and Yashodamma, who garlanded march captain M.A. Bindu. The march later proceeded to Perumba.
Voicing support at various receptions were leaders across political and social spectrums, including the Indian Union Muslim League's V.K.P. Ismail, District Congress Committee general secretary Lalitha Teacher, CMP's B. Sajith Lal, and CPI(ML) Red Star's Vinod Kumar Ramanthali, among others. The events also saw the participation of representatives of women's organisations, trade unions, and environmental groups.
