Tension prevailed at Periya Agraharam here on Monday (September 21) after persons with disabilities and locals opposed each other over the proposed use of a community hall as an Integrated Service Centre.
A community hall had earlier functioned at Pananguttai on Bhavani Main Road. The building was subsequently renovated, and an Integrated Service Centre for persons with disabilities was established there. However, the centre is yet to be made functional.
Seeking its immediate opening, a group of persons with disabilities staged a sit-in at the building on Monday morning. They demanded that the centre be opened and services provided to beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, residents of the locality gathered at the spot opposing the establishment of the service centre. They said the building was required as a community hall for the benefit of local residents.
As both groups gathered, police personnel were deployed. Barricades were also erected around the building to prevent anyone from entering it.
The police held talks with both groups. The persons with disabilities were promised that an Integrated Service Centre would be established at another location and that necessary assistance would be provided there. They subsequently withdrew their protest.
The residents were promised that steps would be taken to convert the building back into a community hall and make it available for their use. They, too, dispersed following the assurance. The incident disrupted traffic for sometime.
Published – September 21, 2026 06:25 pm IST
