Political parties and fishermen associations held road rokos at various places here on Monday in protest against the violence at Koodankulam.
The All India Fisherfolk Association Federation announced its plan to file a petition with the DGP on Tuesday. It would seek withdrawal of curbs under Section 144 from Idinthakarai and evacuation of the police force from there. “We decided to hold protests in 13 coastal districts,” they said.
While the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi observed a road roko near the Collectorate on Rajaji Salai around 4 pm, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) did so near the Victoria Memorial Hall. Naam Tamizhar Katchi supporters blocked a train at Guindy railway station in the evening. According to sources, about 25 persons, who alighted from a train bound for Chengalpattu, squatted before the same train at 4.45 pm. Train services were hit for about 30 minutes, before they were detained. DMDK leader Vijaykant urged the Chief Minister to visit Koodunkulam and meet the protest representatives.
Students of Nandanam Government Arts College were the first to respond to the lathi-charge at Idinthakarai with their sit-in stir. They began leaving their classes and a majority of the students were arrested while attempting to hit the roads. Thirumurugan Gandhi of the May 17 Movement, and two other organisers, Vivekanandan and Suseendran, who came to the college were stopped at the gate. The trio told police that they had come here only to express their solidarity. But, police did not let them in.
Hari, who witnessed the episode, told Express that police thrashed Thirumurugan while he was taken to Saidapet police station at noon. “We waited till 7.30 pm before police finally released them.”
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