File photo: The Western Ghats
The Central notification on implementing the Kasturirangan panel report on conservation of Western Ghats has triggered a fresh bout of protests in Kerala with the opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) observing a 'hartal' in some parts of Kozhikode district, today.
LDF has called for a 12-hour hartal in Koodarinji, Puthuppadi, Kodencheri and Thiruvambadi areas in the district.
Last night in Kottiyoor in Kannur district, locals allegedly unleashed violence and held captive five officials from Karnataka Forest Department and Ministry of Environment, who were in Chunkakunnu on Kerala-Karnataka border, who they suspected were there for carrying out a survey of the land.
However, in the early hours today they were released after officials, including Kannur District collector Rathan Kelkar intervened and assured the locals that the panel report will not be implemented without taking into consideration the anxiety of the people.
In stone pelting, allegedly by some persons, some policemen were injured and a police vehicle was damaged.
The situation in Kottiyoor area is normal and no untoward incident has been reported this morning, police said.