About 8,000 persons were arrested across the State for staging rail rokos against India’s participation at CHOGM during the dawn to dusk bandh called by as many as 21 Pro-Tamil Eelam outfits, while a majority of traders downed shutters in support of the bandh, here on Tuesday.
As many 1,900 persons were arrested in Chennai city alone for staging protests as part of the bandh and released in the evening. The bandh had its impact in the city, as traders and members of trade unions too participated in the stir.
Traders, especially those affliated to the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peravai on East Coast Road, Injambakkam, Palavakkam, Thoraipakkam, Virugambakkam, Vadapalani, Saidapet, Thousand Lights and various pockets of North Chennai including Thiruvottiyur, Manali-Sekkadu, Tirunindravur and Ambattur, downed shutters.
However, there was not much of disruption of public transport as MRTS services and MTC fleets operated as usual. Traders and workers at the Koyambedu Wholesale Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Market staged a demonstration on the market premises, seeking to prosecute Rajapaksa, besides a UN referendum for formation of a separate Eelam.
A few other trade bodies in Ambattur and Manali-Sekkad too staged demonstrations in support of the bandh. The protests began since early morning and security was stepped up at key locations. MDMK leader Mallai Sathya led the rail roko at the Central Station and was arrested around 6 am.
Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam senior leader Anoor Jegadeesan and his party cadre gathered at Central around 11 am and staged rail roko and courted arrest. Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi senior leader and MLA Jawahirullah led the rail roko at the Tambaram Railway station. Naam Tamilar party cadre picketed the BSNL office at Royapuram and burned the effigy of Rajapaksa. They were subsequently arrested.
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