PMK protest against NLC land acquisition turns violent,  state president in police custody

Chennai, July 28 (BPNS)

The protest conducted by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) against the acquisition of farmland for expansion of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) turned violent. Cadres started pelting stones after the police took into custody, the PMK state president and former Union minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss.

After his address at the protest venue, the PMK leaders and cadres led by Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss tried to picket in front of the public sector, Neyveli Lignite Corporation office premises.

Cadres shouting slogans against the NLC and its acquisition of wetlands and other farmlands. Three vehicles of police appeared on the scene and detained the cadres and leaders. When the state president, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss was detained, the workers turned violent and broke the window pane of two police vehicles.

After the cadres threw stones and plastic bottles at the police and picketed the vehicle carrying the Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss from leaving the scene, police resorted to Lathi charge.

Police and cadres then entered into a free for all with the police caning and the cadres throwing water bottles and stones at the police.

It is to be noted that the PMK has been in the forefront of the fight against the acquisition of agriculture lands and wetland by the Public Sector, Neyveli Lignite Corporation.