Tension gripped Valparai for some time today, as residents and traders came to the streets, when some ruling party members attempted to remove the black flags hoisted atop their shops.

The traders and shopkeepers had hoisted black flags to protest against the failure of the State Government in promoting tourism activities and also other development activities in the area, police said.

As a few AIADMK members attempted to remove the flags, the residents and shop keepers protested and came to the streets, resulting in tense moments, they said.

On information, police rushed to the spot to prevent any eventualities, even as normal life remained paralysed for most of the day. Holiday tourists too were affected as shops remained closed, they said.