A crowd of more than 5,000 people, consisting of young and old, women and children and physically challenged, put up a stiff resistance and upset the plans of Thiruvananthapuram corporation to send garbage lorries to the Vilappilsala plant.

After eight hours of high drama, two trucks from the city which had entered the panchayat limit returned, without entering the plant. The resistance was generally peaceful though there were sporadic incidents of stone pelting. Though police had to use teargas shells and stinger grenades to disperse a group that was pelting stones at them, no one was reported to have injured.

By early morning, scores of Vilappilsala residents and members of janakiya samithi assembled in front of the factory gate. Nearly, 350 strong police force, including 50 women personnel, led by rural SP A J Thomaskutty were also present in view of the tense situation.

By 1.30pm, two trucks, with police escort, reached the gate of the plant. Rural SP A J Thomaskutty reminded the locals of the court order and asked them to let the trucks pass. But, the protesters did not relent and sat on the road blocking the vehicles. Meanwhile ADM P K Girija also started negotiating with panchayat president Sobhana Kumari and other leaders.