We’re going to America and Dubai with our money, not going to win anymore, locals turn against CM on K Rail strike

KOTTAYAM: The locals staged severe protests against the stone laying of semi-high-speed SilverLine project. A scuffle broke out between the locals and the police at Mundukuzhi in Madapally, Kottayam. 23 people including women were arrested. The women were dragged and removed by the police. Police said they moved to arrest after they poured kerosene on them.

The locals have been protesting since morning after forming a human chain, accusing them for not following the procedures for the stone laying. The protesters smashed the panes of the vehicle carrying stones. There were also heavy protests against the officials. The protesters shouted that they would commit mass suicide by showing kerosene.

The conciliatory efforts by the police were in vain. This led to the use of force.

Despite protests from the locals, the officials laid the K Rail survey stone under police protection. A hartal will be observed in Changanassery tomorrow by the anti-K Rail panel in protest against the incident.

The SilverLine will pass through 16 panchayats in Kottayam. The project will affect 14 villages. There is a strong presence of the UDF and the BJP in the fight against K Rail.