KOZHIKODE: The meeting organised in connection with the inauguration of the renovated SM Street after it was rebranded as a 'no traffic zone' ended up in chaos as a section of traders demanded unbridled traffic in the street. The protestors shouted slogans carrying placards with some of them even showering abuses at the dignitaries including the district collector U. V. Jose, MLAs M. K. Muneer and A. Pradeepkumar and mayor Thottathil Raveendran.
At one point, A. Prdeepkumar and M. K. Muneer went out of the venue and tried to engage in a talk with the protestors. Later Mr Muneer walked out of the venue in protest against the traders. However, the meeting was later completed at the municipal corporation hall and an organizing committee has also been formed. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the heritage street on December 23.
District collector told DC that the inauguration of the renovated SM Street as a heritage zone will be held on December 23 as per the schedule despite any protests. "We cannot sacrifice the dreams of citizenry for the vested interests of a handful of traders and their goons," he added. "There will not be any complete ban but only restrictions for traffic", he added.
