Sixty-four members of Naam Tamizhar Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Welfare Party of India were arrested here on Tuesday after they attempted to indulge in rail roko agitation in support of their demands.
The protesters urged the Ministry of Railways to fill up the vacant posts existing in Tamil Nadu by recruiting those belonging to the State. They wanted priority to be given for the sons of the soil in Central government undertakings functioning in Tamil Nadu.
The protesters condemned the Central government for “ignoring” eligible and qualified Tamil candidates in the railway department.
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Appointment of personnel at unmanned level crossing and suspension of the railway exam conducted in an “unjust” manner in 2014 were among their other demands.
Holding their party flags and raising slogans in support of their demands, the members came in a procession towards the Tiruchi railway junction to stage a rail roko. However, they were intercepted and arrested by a posse of police personnel deployed in front of the Tiruchi railway junction.
About 115 functionaries of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Social Democratic Party of India, Tamil Nadu Ezhuchi Iyyakam and Viduthalai Tamizh Puligal were arrested in Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai in Nagapattinam district after they attempted to indulge in rail rokos. Police sources said around 80 protestors were arrested in Sirkali and 35 in Mayiladuthurai.
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Appointment of personnel at unmanned level crossing was one of the main demands