Demanding the arrest of persons who vandalised houses and banana crops belonging to a particular community in Pothanur in Paramathi Velur Taluk, over 3,000 villagers blocked the Namakkal - Karur National Highway here on Tuesday.
Trouble began between members of two communities of the village over celebrating the festival at Vellakkal Mariamman temple on Monday night.
Later, members belonging to one community vandalised 10 houses and over 500 standing banana crops belonging to another community. Also, tube lights and two shops were also damaged by the members.
With tense situation prevailing, police reinforcements were posted in the village.
On Tuesday morning, members belonging to one community blocked the national highway for around two hours demanding action against persons who damaged houses and banana crops.
Also, they demanded compensation for the damaged crops. This led to traffic coming to halt in the highway as vehicles lined up on both the sides.
Superintendent of Police S.R. Senthilkumar held talks with the protestors and pacified them.
Later, they withdrew their protest.
Deputy Inspector General, Salem Range, Vidya Jayant Kulkarni, District Revenue Officer V.R. Subbulakshmi and officials inspected the spot and held inquiries.
The police have registered a case against 15 cadre of Pattali Makkal Katchi while nine were arrested for damaging houses and crops.
Police personnel were posted for security to prevent untoward incidents.
