In a season of protests, a new protest has commenced in Kanniyakumari District as the locals have been against the Centre’s proposed plan to bring up a new Port to handle cargo at Kovalam.

The proposed international cargo-handling Port to come up at Kovalam-Keezmanakudi has been severely opposed by the locals.  People living along the stretch of villages from Arockiapuram to Neerodi have joined the protests.  It was rumoured yesterday that the protesters might take to seas and lay siege to the famed Tiruvalluvar statue.

Parthasarathy, convenor of protesters, told newsmen yesterday that people of 40 villages have joined the protest so far. “Setting up a Cargo Port would adversely affect the livelihood rights of thousands of people in the District,” he said.

“People might be forced to forfeit their homes and agricultural lands and the Port would also cause environmental hazards,” he added.