Vadakkencherry: Muniyara or dolmenoid cists, which are ancient burial chambers that date back to the Megalithic age, at Konnakalkadav Anayadiayan Parutha in Kizhakkencherry panchayat, have been vandalised. These burial chambers, certified by archaeologists to be centuries old, are important relic from the past.

The Muniyara is situated in the government-owned land at Randam Village in Kizhakkencherry. Although the area houses a lot of nannangadi (burial pots) and Muniyara, a fully fledged one has been severely damaged using hammer and chisels. Meanwhile, people from all walks of life have been protesting against the incident.

M Haridas, an environmental activist has filed a complaint at the Mangalam Dam police station. The chisel that was used to destroy the Muniyara was found at the site. Meanwhile, history researchers K Rajan, Professor of History at Pattambi Government College and former deputy director of public education department V Ramachandran visited the site.

Konnakkalkadav is in the valley of the Palakkuzhi Thindillam mini hydroelectric project. A few persons had claimed the ownership of this rocky land that sprawls in more than seven hectares. Besides, there were plans to stars quarries here. However, archaeologists visited this historic site and submitted a report to the government. Meanwhile, the local residents had also approached the court against blasting off rocks. Now, the Muniyara has been destroyed amid all these issues.

There are claims that Muniyara is the burial chambers of the tribal chiefs who died in the Stone Age. Pancjayat member PM Roy urged to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. Prof. K Rajan who visited the site said that a foolproof investigation should be conducted to uncover the truth.