Agitations affect traffic at inter-state checkposts

As many as 50 members of Mahatma Gandhi Seva Sangh and Dr Abdul Kalam Welfare Trust took a bike rally in 25 vehicles from Salem district to Hogenakkal on Sunday. They began their rally after garlanding the Gandhi statue and proceeded to Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district. 

Inter-state bus services continued to be affected as members of Naam Tamilar Katchi laid siege to checkposts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka borders in Salem, Erode and Krishnagiri districts. In Salem, around 50 members of the party protested at ‘Paalaru,’ while similar protests at Bannari checkpost in Erode district left many vehicles stranded as they were not allowed inside the neighbouring state. The party cadres also protested at Attibelle in Krishnagiri district. Hundreds of cadres of Naam Tamilar Katchi were arrested in connection with the protest. 

Members of Nam Desam Makkal observed a day-long fast in Sivananda Colony demanding to form the CMB. They held placards condemning both the state and Centre for their failure in constituting the CMB. The Dravida Makkal Iyakkam activists staged a protest in front of the Tahsildar office near Race Course. 

Meanwhile, members of Bharat Sena gathered for a protest in front of the Coimbatore railway junction condemning the Congress party for failing to make any attempts to resolve the issue during its tenure. 

The protesters also condemned the DMK for failing to raise the issue during its rule but have been racking up the issue now for political gains. Around 70 members of Bharat Sena were arrested in connection with the protest. 

Police said that the protests were by and large peaceful and there was no damage to property.