KALPETTA: James (52), who had been protesting in front of the Wayanad Collectorate for 10 years demanding the release of 12 acres of land wrongfully acquired by the Forest Department, was stopped by the police from trying to commit suicide by pouring petrol on his body. The incident happened at 12:30 pm yesterday.

A part of James' protest shed had collapsed during the collectorate march held by the Muslim League demanding the immediate rehabilitation of the victims of the Mundakkai tragedy. In the meantime, James got on the road and poured petrol on his body. The police came and stopped James and took away the lighter he was holding.

James's protest shed, which was destroyed during the march, was later restored under the leadership of the Muslim League.
James' father-in-law George had bought 12 acres of land in 1968. James is protesting against the seizure of this land by the forest department without any notification. He wants the land to be released.