Coexistence Collective, Kerala, a broad coalition of environmental organisations, wildlife conservationists, researchers, scientists and civil society groups, has demanded the removal of Sijumon Francis from the post of Additional Private Secretary in the Forest Minister’s office.In memorandums submitted to the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister, the collective expressed concern over the appointment. It alleged that Mr. Francis had been involved in protests and campaigns against the Forest department and its policies for several years and feared that the appointment could affect the neutrality of Kerala’s forest and environmental governance system and undermine public confidence.It is claimed that Mr. Francis had organised protests and mobilised public opposition against the State government and the Forest department on various issues, including buffer zones and forest boundary demarcation. He had also challenged the department positions through legal proceedings, including against the official stance regarding the proposed road development of the Neriamangalam–Valara stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway 85.Besides, during his tenure as Ernakulam district president of the Kerala Independent Farmers’ Association, and later through the Farmers’ Awareness Revival Movement, Mr. Francis had allegedly opposed the Forest department on matters related to forest conservation, buffer zones, forest boundary demarcation, wildlife management and forest governance.Environmentalists said the appointment placed him within a strategic position in the same administrative system he had opposed.The collective also stated that several environmental, forest and wildlife-related issues concerning the high ranges were at present being considered by courts, tribunals, and other legal bodies. It cautioned that appointing a person, who had allegedly taken positions contrary to forest and wildlife conservation, could be viewed as part of an effort to undermine such proceedings. The memorandum also expressed concern about cases relating to ecologically fragile lands, private plantations whose lease periods have expired, and vested forests that are pending before tribunals and courts.Responding to objections raised over his appointment, Mr. Francis rejected allegations that he had campaigned against the Forest department or its policies. He said he had consistently supported conservation of forests, ecology and wildlife, while also advocating for healthy coexistence between humans and wildlife.He said efforts should be made to ensure that people living in affected regions could live without fear. He also pointed out that no criminal case had ever been registered against him. Mr. Francis added that he would not have been selected to serve on the Forest Minister’s personal staff if he had previously conducted campaigns against the department. Published - June 10, 2026 07:11 pm IST