MALAPPURAM: Protests against land acquisition survey for National highway 66 development turned violent in Kerala's Malappuram district on Friday. Clashes left 15 policemen including Tirurangadi police inspector E Sunil Kumar injured. Injured policemen along with a 15 year old girl, who fainted during the protests were taken to Tirurangadi Taluk hospital.
Clashes erupted at Areethode in AR Nagar Panchayat after protesters blocked NH 66 by putting stones and burning. Police resorted into lati charge while protesters blocked the road and revenue department officers. This led to stone pelting against police. The mob was dispersed after the police launched grenades against protesters.
However, survey proceedings were carried at Kolappuram under strong police surveillance. Huge police force has been deployed at Kolappuram and Thalappara. Tirurangadi police said none was arrested in
connection with the incident.
The survey, which started at Kuttippuram on March 19, has covered more than 30 kilometers in the district. In its past three episodes, the survey was dropped due to strong protests. On April 3, clashes
erupted at Kottakkal between protesters against NH survey and police. Shabeena Choorappilakkal, who had been leading an indefinite hunger strike, under the banner of Thottungal Padashekhara Samithi. Besides, stone pelting against police and officers was reported at various panchayats.
Later Works minister G Sudhakaran criticised the protestors for creating issues. The government is ready for talks with the protestors. There's no need for them to create such issues, the minister told media later.