Cong workers fast against Salem Steel Plant privatisation

TNCC president KS Alagiri, who led the protest, said that the price of steel would skyrocket if the public sector unit is closed. “The steel is used in the manufacture of coaches by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Also the non-rusting steel manufactured by the unit has been used to make various components of Chandrayaan-2 for lunar exploration mission of ISRO,” he said.

On the eight-lane road project, the TNCC chief said that the road project has been proposed with a hidden intention to extract and transport iron ore and minerals rich in ‘Kanjamalai’ and from two other mountains in Tiruvannamalai district.

“The people of Tamil Nadu should resort to protests to protect our rights,” he said adding that farmers have given away 4,000 acres of land for the plant and of that, 2,500 acres remain unused. The people have donated their lands for a cause. And if it their land is sold for private players, then protests will break out.” he said Alagiri threatened to intensify protests by holding human chains, if the plan to privatize the plant is not dropped.

“We will also discuss with DMK leader MK Stalin and our alliance parties to raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the TNCC chief said. Former TNCC president KV Thangkabalu and other office bearers participated in the protest.