Capital city came to a standstill in Vizhinjam protest, road blockade troubled public, 70 passengers miss flights

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The traffic came to a standstill at eight centers in capital city due to the road blockade by fishermen led by the Latin Archdiocese against Vizhinjam port construction. The besiege caused inconvenience to the public and the national highway was also blocked. 70 passengers missed flights and several students were unable to reach their colleges on time and missed their second semester examinations. School students, employees and many others were trapped in roads for hours. As the vehicles were diverted by the police, the narrow roads also witnessed heavy traffic. In some areas, even ambulances were blocked. The police failed to handle the situation properly. The blockades lasted till evening.

The siege was conducted at Attingal, Kazhakoottam, Vizhinjam, Poovar, Pozhiyoor, Uchakkada, Chakka, Thiruvallam and Station Kadavu from 8.30 am till 3 pm. Although the district collector had banned the strike in Vizhinjam and Mulloor, protests were organized here. They blockaded the roads using boats. Hundreds of fishermen, including women, priests and nuns participated in the blockades.

Vehicles were blocked on the Kazhakoottam-Kovalam bypass, including on the Service Road. Protesters also besieged the main junction and flyover at Chakka. The situation was similar in Poovar and Pozhiyoor. Some of the protesters shouted at the passengers. Some of the 70 passengers who missed the flight, had to run to the airport with the luggage to catch another flight. Traffic to VSSC was also disrupted.

The protest march to the Secretariat was inaugurated by Fr. Eugene Pereira, action council general convener and Vicar general. Protest programs will be held in district centers tomorrow and an art-cultural gathering will be held in front of the secretariat in the afternoon.

Kerala Kaumudi photographers Vishnu Sabu and Vishnu Prasad who went to report the blockade were attacked by the protesters. Some protesters even had sticks with bamboo nails attached to them.