The ongoing stand-off between the authorities and local residents over the upcoming LPG import terminal of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Puthuvype took a new turn on Wednesday, with the police arresting a large number of protesters including women and children.
The project site witnessed high-voltage drama in the morning when a police team forcibly removed and arrested around 250 protesters. Cases were also registered against them for unlawful assembly.
“The police action was in accordance with a High Court order,” said Ullas K.K., Circle Inspector of Police, Njarakkal.
Later in the evening, members of the action council spearheading the agitation took out a protest march at High Court Junction against the police action.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) condemned the police action and warned of intense agitation in the coming days.
The KRLCC will hold a protest meeting at Goshree Junction on Saturday.
The District Collector had earlier issued instructions to the District Rural Police Chief to ensure security cover for the LPG plant in accordance with the orders of the National Green Tribunal, Kerala High Court, and the Central and State governments.
Industries Minister A.C. Moideen had held talks with the committee spearheading the agitation on April 7. A month later, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also met the leaders of the agitation and people’s representatives, which was followed by an all-party meeting convened by the Collector.