Bandh against A Raja’s talk total in Nilgiris

COIMBATORE: A majority of shops and commercial establishments in The Nilgiris downed shutters on Tuesday following a protest call by Hindu Munnani to condemn DMK MP A Raja’s controversial remarks on Hinduism.

Almost 80 per cent of shops remained closed in Ooty, Gudalur, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Manjur, Annur and Mettupalayam areas. Nilgiris SP Ashish Rawat had issued a stern warning against any forceful closure of shops. Also, security was tightened to prevent any untoward incidents.

Except pharmacies, bakery, vegetable shops and those selling essential items, other shops in Commercial Street and markets downed shutters in Ooty. Also, auto’s and mini buses stayed off the road.

Police had to intervene when tension prevailed in Gudalur area as members of SDPI and DMK urged traders to reopen shops, while Hindu Munnani workers opposed it. More than 18 cadre of Hindu Munnani were secured in Pandalur for forcing traders to shut shops. Stones were pelted at an open shop. In Kotagiri, some shops were reopened with police protection.

In Annur, Coimbatore, the strike was near total as most of the establishments, hotels and other shops remained closed. Around 25 Hindu Munnani men were arrested as a precaution. Similarly, traders in Mettupalayam, Avinashi in Tirupur and Punjai Puliampatti in Erode shut shops.

Hindu Munnani president Kadeswara Subramanian told reporters that the protest has been 100 per cent successful. Further, he condemned CM MK Stalin for not taking action against Raja for his controversial remarks.