Tension prevailed in Neyveli after PMK cadre-led by Anbumani Ramadoss staged a protest against Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Ltd on Friday. The protest organised to condemn NLC India Limited for reportedly acquiring farmlands and destroying them for expansion projects. On Friday, PMK leaders and workers gathered at the protest site in Neyveli of Cuddalore district. Anbumani started his speech at the protest site and once he completed PMK cadre tried to enter the arch gate of NLC despite the barricades. They also demanded NLC exit from Tamil Nadu
This resulted in tension in the region. After Anbumani was detained, angry cadres attacked the police, breaking the windscreens of two police cars, said a report on The Hindu.
Workers threw stones at policemen and tear gas was fired against the protesters.
The police were then reportedly forced to disperse the protestors.
However, the van transporting Anbumani and PMK cadres was unable to leave because the agitators placed damaged barricades on the road.
Earlier, Anbumani had issued a statement that PMK workers will lay siege to NLC premises and protest near Neyveli arch gate on Friday.
On Wednesday, NLCIL, a public sector enterprise owned by the Central government, used earthmovers to clear fertile lands for diverting the Upper Paravanar canal in Valayamadevi in Cuddalore district. The local farmers started to stage a protest against the move by NLCIL.
Political parties too joined the protest. Yet, the work continued on Thursday.
Opposition leaders including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP state president Annamalai condemned the move of the Centre to go ahead with the project.
Earlier, Anbumani wrote to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami and other leaders on the adverse impact of climate change if the project is continued in the state.
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