Alappuzha: Palamel residents staged road blockage protesting soil mining from the hills in the region. The protesters were arrested by the police leading to tensions between the cops and locals.

Heavy police security has been deployed in the region. Political parties have come in support of the protesting locals. Several women have also been taken into custody in connection with the incident. 

Earlier, the High Court had quashed a petition filed by the locals against soil mining in the region. The road developments had recommenced in the area following the HC order.

However, the locals continue to express their concerns over the ‘development’ workers which is expected to have grave environmental consequences.