Normal life hit in Cuddalore, Villupuram

PUDUCHERRY

Life came to a standstill in the district on Thursday during the Opposition-sponsored bandh to protest against the Centre’s failure to constitute the Cauvery Management Board as directed by the Supreme Court.

Shops and business establishments, except pharmacies, remained closed. Public transport was unaffected with even share autorickshaws doing their usual trips. However, private buses stayed off the road.

Government offices functioned with thin attendance. Banks, petrol bunks, schools and colleges functioned as usual.

The normally busy Bharathi Road and Lawrence Road in Cuddalore were deserted with very few vehicles plying on the streets.

Members belonging to various political parties, including the DMK, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Left parties blocked roads across the district.

Over 500 people, led by the former Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam, when they blocked the road at Vadalur junction.

Train blocked

Forty five persons owing allegiance to the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) marched into the Tirupadhiripuliyur railway station in Cuddalore and blocked the Tiruchi-bound Chozhan Express train.

The agitators raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre and Karnataka Governments and squatted in front of the tracks. The train left after a delay of 15 minutes. The police had tightened security at important junctions to prevent any untoward incident.

In Villupuram district, 2,860 people, including seven MLAs who resorted to road blockades and picketing of BSNL and post offices, were arrested. Around 70% of TNSTC buses plied in the district while private buses stayed off the road. Nine TNSTC buses were damaged after protesters threw stones at them at Gingee and Kallakurichi.

DMK cadre, led by Tirukovilur MLA K. Ponmudi, were arrested when they picketed the BSNL office in Villupuram.