Attempts by the Kottayam municipality to evict the bus stand complex at Thirunakkara once again fell flat on Wednesday following protests staged by the traders, their employees and family members.
A tense situation prevailed at the location since the morning as the protesters had blocked all entry points into the complex. A huge posse of police officials too were posted at the location.
As the municipal authorities reached the spot and kickstarted the eviction proceedings, the protests hit a crescendo and following this, the officials returned for the time being. The protesters were also supported by Thomas Chazhikadan, MP, who held discussions with the municipal officials.
A similar attempt by the municipality to evict the building a couple of weeks ago too had failed owing to the protests.
The municipal corporation seeks to evict the building on the basis of an order from the Kerala High Court. A petition by the traders seeking to stay the move has been under consideration of the Supreme Court.