Anti-LPG terminal protesters in Kerala lathi-charged, 20 hospitalised

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

The protesters of Putuvype, who have intensified their agitation against the Indian Oil Corporation's 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 have been admitted to Ernakulam District General Hospital, where doctors said the condition of three with head injuries was serious.

Opposition parties condemned the police lathicharge with the Congress calling for a day-long hartal in the locality on Monday.

In a related development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan decided to hold a meeting with all stakeholders on June 21 at his office in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the issue, officials said on Sunday.

Citing the Chief Minister's intervention, the Indian Oil Corporation announced temporary suspension of the work on the project. In a release, District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla referred to the IOC's decision and urged the people to withdraw their agitation.

"As the ground for further protest does not exist, the protesters are asked to withdraw their protest," he said.

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala described as "brutal" Sunday's police action against the protesters. The protesters demanded action against police for using force against them while they were staging a "peaceful protest".

The residents of Puthuvype have been up in arms for the past four months against the LPG terminal and storage project in the densely populated area, raising safety concerns.

The work on the facility was stalled for several days recently following intensified protest by people under the banner of "LPG Terminal Virudha Janakyeeya Samara Samiti" near the work site.