Vizhinjam Strike: Attempt to murder case taken against protesters, priests including Fr Eugene Pereira arraigned 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have registered a case against the Vizhinjam port strike after the violent incidents were witnessed the other day. The clash broke out after the protestors stopped the move of the Adani Group to restore the construction work of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Project. A clash broke out between the protesters and port supporters.

The police have registered ten cases related to the clash. An attempt to murder case was also registered against the Vizhinjam striking panel. Priests including Fr Eugene Pereira leading the protesters panel have been arraigned in the case. The case is for injuring the head of a worker of the port construction committee. He is undergoing treatment at the medical college hospital. A case has also been registered against the pro-committee. Meantime, Fr Pereira said that he is not afraid of the case and will face it legally.

The government tightened their stand against the protesters after the locals were attacked by a team led by Thiruvananthapuram archdiocese of the Catholic Church (Latin rites). The vehicles laden with construction materials to the project site were attacked who came after believing the assurance given to the high court by Vizhinjam anti-port panel. The government has decided to recover the losses incurred from the protesters. This will be informed to the high court. It is estimated that there has been a loss of more than Rs 200 crore due to the strike.

The government has also started taking steps to strengthen the police presence in the project area to provide more security. The police officers on leave have been asked to return to duty. As the high court itself has already clarified that can seek the help of the central army, if necessary, it is possible that they are likely to come.