THANJAVUR
Irate farmers and aggrieved cadres of various Opposition parties continued to stage protests in myriad forms across Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts on Wednesday, condemning the Central government for failing to constitute the Cauvery Management Board as per the Supreme Court’s orders. Hundreds of protesters were arrested during the course of the day.
The CPI led the protests. At Peralam in Tiruvarur district, more than 100 party cadre, led by district secretary Sivapunniyam and former MLA Ulaganathan, staged a rail roko, blocking Tiruvarur-Mayiladuthurai passenger train, which was consequently delayed by half an hour. Police rounded them up and took them away. At Koradachery, senior CPI leader M.P. Selvaraj led the rail roko.
In Thanjavur, CPI National Executive Council member C. Mahendran led a group of 75 protesters, including 13 women, and tried to block Chennai-bound Cholan Express. Those who participated in the protest included general secretary of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam V. Duraimanikkam. They were picked up by the police.
A group of DMK cadre, led by town secretary T.K.G. Neelamegam, staged a demonstration in front of Thanjavur railway junction.
Advocates continued court boycott for the second day on Wednesday and formed a human chain in support of the agitating farmers.
In Kumbakonam, cadre of the Naam Tamilar Katchi laid siege to the Head Post Office and raised slogans against the BJP and the Central government. They then gained entry to the post office and staged a sit-in, before the police removed them. A total of 52 cadre, including four women, were arrested.
Members of Kumbakonam Bar formed a human chain in the town. CPI cadre, led by district secretary M.A. Bharathi, tried to block Cholan Express at Kumbakonam railway station, when the police prevented them from entering the platform. In all, 54 cadre, including 12 women, were detained.
Over 500 CPI cadre were arrested after they attempted to stage rail rokos at various places in Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Ariyalur and Nagapattinam districts.
