Protesters pelt eggs, bottles on South Korean PM Hwang Kyo-ahn

London, July 16 (ANI): South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn was pelted with eggs and water bottles after angry protesters demanded scrapping of a decision to deploy a U.S. anti-missile defence system in their hometown. The residents in Seongju were over the joint Seoul-Washington decision to install the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (Thaad) in their town this year to deter North Korea, reports the Guardian. Around 3,000 people yesterday, surrounded a bus that Hwang had taken refuge saying they would not let him go until he promised to retract the decision. Seongju witnessed third consecutive day of protests where residents said that the Thaad deployment will ruin the town's economic mainstay, melon farming, and cause health and environmental hazards. "We apologise for not giving you prior notice," the Guardian quoted Prime Minister Hwang as saying to the gathered protesters. "The government will do its best so the residents can live their daily lives without any concern," added Hwang. His speech was cut short as the crowd started pelting Hwang with eggs and water bottles. Hwang's visit to Seongju comes after President Park Geun-hye, told government officials to address concerns of the residents over Thaad. She also called for an end to "needless" squabbling within the country over the issue. South Korea and the U.S last week revealed their decision to deploy Thaad in southern town in the wake of a series of missile and nuclear tests by North Korea. (ANI)