Cops foil demonstration in support of farmers on Marina

The small group that assembled on the Marina was instantly dispersed by the police. But, a few of them, who managed to venture into the sea, were arrested. 

The police had earlier beefed up security on the beach after posts, memes and tweets on social media inviting students to come together for farmers’ cause and against Neduvasal hydrocarbon project. The Facebook pages had listed protests scheduled for March 29 and 30 seeking people to gather near Vivekanada House by 8 am. In a swift action, the police tightened security around the site and on the beach by deploying 250 personnel. 

On Wednesday morning, a few youngsters who arrived at the spot were sent back as they had not obtained permission. Later, 11 protesters ventured into the sea holding posters in support of farmers. “They were brought to the shore with help of fishermen,” a police official said. The group was subsequently arrested. A little later, another group demonstrating near the Tiruvalluvar statue and were also taken into preventive custody. 

Speaking to DTNext, DCP, Mylapore, V Balakrishnan said, “We told the protesters that they cannot hold a demonstration without permission. During the jallikattu protests, it was a spontaneous group and many did not know the formalities. We have given out the information and arrested those who flouted the rules them.”

Meanwhile, a group of students staged a demonstration in Coimbatore seeking justice for the farmers protesting in New Delhi. On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and took them into custody. Protests were also conducted in Thanjavur.

Tension gripped the protest venue in Delhi as one of the protesters swooned on Wednesday and reportedly refused medical care. According to the agitating farmers, G Mahadevan (65) of Oorudayanpatti in Musiri, Tiruchy fainted due to dehydration and diarrhoea and later he was attended to by doctors. However, he refused to allow the doctors to treat him.