District collector declares liquor ban after anti-port protest in Vizhinjam turn violent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A liquor ban has been declared in Vizhinjam after the protest of anti-port activists turned violent.

"Liquor shops within Vizhinjam station will not open from November 28 to December 4. The decision was taken after the protest turned violent, district collector Geromic George said.

It is reported that the attack started when those who came to the station demanding the release of the arrested person were found to be involved in a case related to the strike. Then thousands of locals surrounded the station and attacked. In an attack unheard of in recent times in the state, protesters attacked police officers and media persons. There was a delay in getting the injured to the city hospital by ambulance and in bringing more police to the scene. The police used grenades and tear gas and resorted to lath-charge against the attackers