THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police fired highly effective tear gas shells on the activists who took part in the Congress march to the DGP office. Protesters including women became weak after inhaling the smoke from the tear gas shell. Many people were unable to open their eyes. Many suffered shortness of breath and heartburn.

The shell was fired ten times. When water cannons were used, the activists suffered even mire. Some people were shouting that this is not tear gas but Kannur gas (ith kanneer vaathakam alla, Kannur vaathakam).

The shells with only the sound of gunfire were used first. But the protesters did not disperse, and tear gas was fired. Activists, including men and women, ran into shops and houses in search of safe places. Some found relief by washing the face several times with bottled water. The activists regrouped and raised slogans against the police.

Due to the ongoing road construction, cones were by the road to control traffic, and these were thrown at the police. With this, the police also fired shells at Manaveeyam Veedhi. Media workers also felt unwell due to smoke inhalation.