Traders observed a shop-closure-stir here today alleging that media was portraying people of the high range as encroachers.
Shops downed shutters from 3 pm to 6 pm here as part of the agitation organised by Janakeeya Samara Samithi (People's Agitation Council), an outfit formed by traders, hotel and resort owners and religious leaders.
Holding placards stating 'Save Munnar from media syndicate', the protesters said the 'media terrorism' should end and it had badly affected their business at the start of the tourist season.
The strike was called in the wake of frequent media reports about widespread encroachments and illegal constructions in this hill town, a sought after tourist destination.
They also said the trend would destroy the tourism industry in the region.
CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said the agitation was not against the state government but the only demand was to stop portray people as encroachers.
However, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said there was widespread encroachment in Munnar which needs to end and efforts to gag the media would not succeed.
"In this matter, moving against media is not right," he said in a statement.
Kerala BJP leaders had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Kochi yesterday, seeking the Centre's intervention in addressing the issue of encroachments in Munnar.
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