Begin typing your search...
Two held for instigating protests against Kovai airport expansion
Against the backdrop of frequent protests opposing land acquisition for various projects across the state, the Coimbatore City Police on Tuesday arrested two persons for instigating people to protest demanding higher compensation for acquiring their lands for the Coimbatore airport expansion work.
By
migrator
migrator
Coimbatore
The duo, identified as Jayaprakash, 40, a BJP functionary, and Senthil alias Senthilraj, 47, had met people, whose lands were earmarked for acquisition in Irugur and Neelambur and issued notices inviting them for a protest against the airport expansion project.
Acting on information from Chinniampalayam village former Panchayat leader Devaraj, the Peelamedu police went to the spot and warned the duo against issuing such notices.
However, both Jayaprakash and Senthilraj ignored the police request and continued with their campaign. They issued notices in the name of ‘Makkal nala kootamaippu’ (People’s Welfare Organisation).
The notice said that Rs 3,000 per sq ft had been announced as compensation for land to be acquired for the Salem-Chennai expressway, whereas for the airport expansion work, the land owners were paid only Rs 1,500 per sq ft.
“Our lands shouldn’t be given until we get a higher compensation. Let us join hands for a protest similar to that of Sterlite and Green Field Corridor to protect our rights,” said the notice.
It also raised questions about the government and official machinery turning a blind eye to people’s issues. Following this, the police arrested Jayaprakash and Senthilraj. They were produced in court and lodged at the Coimbatore Central Prison.
16 villagers arrested for e-way protest
As many as 16 villagers were on Tuesday arrested in Salem district for protesting surveying of their lands for the Salem-Chennai expressway project. Revenue Department officials accompanied by more than 100 policemen visited Parapatty village to study the number of wells, trees and houses to be removed for the project. When the villagers entered into an argument with the officials and prevented them from carrying out the survey work, the police arrested 16 people.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
