Kerala CM unhappy with Karnataka on border closure

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that with the Karnataka government closing its interstate borders, the free movement of Kerala vehicles carrying essential commodities is being restricted.

"Despite appeals, there is no clarity. The Karnataka Chief Minister appears to be busy, as we are yet to get through to him. Today we informed Union Minister Sadanada Gowda and we explained our case," said Vijayan.

"There are many patients from Kasargode (Kerala) who are dependent on hospitals in Mangalore (Karnataka)," Vijayan told media, adding restricting the free movement of vehicles is hampering medical care for these patients.

Since Thursday night Karnataka had closed the routes, fearing the spread of Covid-19 to their state, as Kerala has the highest number of positive cases in the country.

Hundreds of trucks laden with vegetables and essential food items are stuck at the border of the two states since Friday.

On Friday, Vijayan expressed his displeasure with the Karnataka government.

Vijayan said he wrote to the Prime Minister on Saturday about the situation prevailing in the two states.

Sources said Union minister Gowda who has roots in Kasargode district in Kerala has got clearance for vehicles to enter Kerala from three state borders -- one at Mangalore side and two others at the entry of Wayanad district.

But the Virajpet border in Karnataka near the Kerala town of Iritty in Kannur district continues to remain closed, as there has been a strong local resentment against opening of the border, sources added. IANS