Thiruvananthapuram: Once again Church and its clergy are at loggerheads with work of progress. A violent mob led by Latin Catholic priest allegedly attacked police in Kerala. They attacked the cops while trying to stop construction of Adani port here on Sunday.
The mob also damaged police vehicles and targeted Vizhinjam police station in Thiruvananthapuram city, using sticks and bricks. At least 36 policemen suffered injuries in the attack.
The mob attacked police personnel after a local was arrested and few others were taken into custody. Police had taken the action in connection with violent protests against port construction on November 26.
Police has registered cases against as many as 3,000 persons. The local police has charged them of rioting and destruction of public property. The protesters also damaged the property of Adani port.
Taking cognisance of the tense situation prevailing in Vizhinjam area, the Left government in Kerala has made heavy police bandobast by deploying police personnel from other districts.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram in the Vizhinjam region, has been protesting against the construction of Adani port. Some Christian fishermen have joined the protests at behest of Church. The protesters are complaining that it has caused coastal erosion. They are alleging that coastal erosion is leading to the loss of livelihood and dwellings.
The construction of the port began in 2015, as per records. It has been marred by protests since then. In September, the Kerala High Court had to intervene. The HC directed the Kerala government to provide police protection for the resumption of the construction of the port.
The court also allowed the protesters to continue their demonstrations without obstructing the construction work. Despite orders from HC, the protesters blocked construction vehicles from entering Adani port.