MMK functionaries stage road blockade stir at Melapalayam - The HinduUpdated - October 18, 2026 08:06 am IST - TIRUNELVELIMembers of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi staging a road roko at Melappalayam in Tirunelveli on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTAs most of the roads in Melapalayam area here are in a worst condition for the past few years, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) cadre staged a road roko on the Papanasam Road traversing Melapalayam on Friday.Around 50 MMK cadres, including the MMK Councillor of Tirunelveli Corporation K. S. Rasool Maideen of ward 50, participated in the agitation organised at VST Mosque Junction in Melapalayam and raised slogans demanding the immediate re-laying of the roads damaged in the sluggishly progressing underground drainage work.They said the Palayamkottai – Papanasam Road passing through Melapalayam, which is being used by a few thousand vehicles everyday, was in the worst condition for the past four years as there was no sign of completion of the underground drainage work in near future.With the Department of State Highways and the Corporation pointing fingers at each other for the poor condition of the road, the tax-paying public are suffering, the protestors said.After the protest lasted for 15 minutes, the police arrested 50 protestors.Published - October 16, 2026 07:00 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }