Police action on Puthuvype protesters wrong: Mercykutty Amma

Kochi: J. Mercykutty Amma, Minister for Fisheries and Harbour Engineering on Monday said that the police were wrong to lathi-charge those protesting against the LPG import terminal project at Puthuvype near here.

Talking to the media, Mercykutty Amma said it was not the policy of the LDF government to suppress people’s protests by using police force.

“In a meeting held in the previous day, the officials had not assured the protesters that the construction works at the Indian Oil Corporations project site would be stopped. I too had attended that meeting. The decisions taken in the meeting have been misunderstood,” the minister said.

At least 20 people were injured when police lathi-charged those protesting against the LPG import terminal project at Puthvype near here when they allegedly tried to breach a security cordon and storm the site on Sunday.

The protesters of Putuvype, who have intensified their agitation against the Indian Oil Corporations project since last week, alleged scores of people, including women and children, were injured in the "brutal" police action.

The police said at least 20 people were admitted to Ernakulam District General Hospital, where doctors said the condition of three with head injuries was serious.

Congress is observing a day-long hartal in the locality Monday.