Police have arrested about 150 volunteers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) and CPI when they attempted to stage picketing agitations in Sivaganga and Karaikudi, protesting against the visit of US President Barak Obama to India.
In Sivaganga, police arrested about 100 volunteers, led by CPI (M) district secretary M. Kandasamy and CPI district secretary and Sivaganga MLA S. Gunasekaran when they squatted on the road after coming in a procession from Aranmani to the bus stand.
In Karaikudi, the protest was led by CPI (M) district committee, secretariat member Manickam and CPI district committee member Muthuramalingam.
The volunteers shouted slogans against the Centre for inviting Mr. Obama to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebration.
The agitation was organised to protest India’s decision to renew the India-US defence framework agreement, Mr. Kandasamy said.
The volunteers also protested against the Central government for pursuing a pro-US foreign policy, deviating from India’s independent foreign policy, he said.
Released
The volunteers, who were accommodated in marriage halls after the arrest, were released in the evening, police said.
