Madurai, Tamil Nadu, June 24: In response to a sudden road blockade staged by local villagers near Usilampatti in Madurai district, the police acted swiftly and professionally to maintain law and order. The protest was sparked by the suspension of operations at a long-standing government-run paddy procurement centre, which had been serving areas like Nattarmangalam, Ayyampatti, and Sakkaraipatti, where over 500 acres of paddy cultivation take place.
The procurement centre, managed locally for over 15 years, had recently been shut down without prior notice, leading to widespread discontent. Authorities reportedly reassigned the procurement operations to a new contractor at a nearby location in Ayyampatti, prompting concerns and resistance from farmers who depended on the original centre.
In protest, over 150 villagers, including 50 women, blocked the road, disrupting traffic flow. Usilampatti DSP Chandrasekaran led the police team that intervened promptly and ensured public safety by peacefully detaining the protesters. They were temporarily housed at a private hall to prevent further escalation.
At the same time, revenue officials led by Usilampatti Tahsildar Balakrishnan have initiated dialogue with the protesting villagers to resolve the issue amicably. The villagers have strongly urged the authorities to resume procurement at the original community-run centre without further delays.
The Madurai District Police continue to play a crucial role in upholding peace and facilitating discussions between the public and administration, ensuring that the situation remains under control.
Our Citizen Reporter – Madurai
Mr. Ravi
