Kallambalam: The officials who arrived to lay stone as a part of the land acquisition for the K-Rail project in the Navayikkulam-Maruthikunnu area in Thiruvananathapuram were stopped by the locals and protest itensified in the area.

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The proposed alignment for the project passes through the graveyards associated with mosques and churches. The locals protested stating that they consider the graveyards of their ancestors as a holy place.

The officials and workers arrived at the place around 10 am on Monday to lay the stone. After the locals gathered around in protest, the officials tried to convince them that it was part of a project of the government and not for K-Rail. However, the locals protested and this resulted in minor clashes.

Later, a discussion was held with both parties under the leadership of Varkala DySP P Niaz to ease the tension. The meeting decided to give a week's time to the people to lodge a complaint and, if possible, to find a solution to change the alignment. 

The officials stated that stone laying procedures will resume from January 10. Later, the officials reached Puthusserimukku in Navayikkulam and started laying stones. A large contingent of police also assisted officials in their work. The stone laying was completed at 6 pm up to Kottarakkonam in the area.

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister will launch a government-level campaign to allay concerns over the K-Rail project. The first briefing will be held at 11 am at the Jimmy George Indoor Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The programme is organized in such a way that the Chief Minister will disclose the project details and will answer queries concerning K-Rail.