Title - MDMK activists stage rail roko

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) cadre who attempted rail blockade at Coimbatore Junction and at Podanur in protest against the statement of the Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju were removed by the police.The MDMK had called for an agitation to condemn the statement by Mr. Raju that India will not be able to stop imparting training to officers from Sri Lanka. Political parties in Tamil Nadu were against imparting training to Sri Lankan officers for their alleged war crimes and “genocide” of Tamil race in Sri Lanka in the name of war against terrorism.A team led by MDMK’s Rural District Secretary V. Easwaran staged a rail roko at Podanur Junction.The activists, who split into two groups avoided entering the Podanur Junction. As a matter of precaution, police reinforcements were posted in large numbers at the Podanur Railway Junction entrance.But, one group of MDMK cadre boarded the Coimbatore – Cannanore Fast Passenger from Coimbatore Junction and blocked it at the Podanur Junction.Another group boarded the Palakkad – Tiruchi Fast Passenger at Walayar and blocked it when it reached Podanur Junction. Police removed the activists and both the trains left after a delay of 15 minutes.

Mr. Easwaran pointed out that the Union Government by its continued support to Sri Lanka and neglecting the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu was creating an impression that for the former Sri Lanka was more important than Tamil Nadu. The support being extended to Sri Lanka by the Union Government was with scant regard to the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly and the political parties here. If the Centre continued with its attitude, MDMK will intensify its struggle, he said.

At Coimbatore Junction, MDMK’s Urban District Secretary R.R. Mohan Kumar led a team and marched to the Junction.

A tight security cordon at the entrance to the Junction foiled the attempts by the cadre to enter the station for blocking the train.

The activists raised slogans flaying the Centre for “anti-Tamil” approach. The agitation resulted in commotion along the State Bank Road for some time.