He said 19 activists from Kanchi Makkal Mandram, Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, Palar Awareness Movement and VCK were arrested and assaulted by police when they were on their way to meet the people who are losing their lands due to the Chennai-Salem Greenfield Corridor.

Kanchi Makkal Mandram is an organisation which takes care of physically challenged persons.

Two women, who were involved in the service had been arrested, he said.

Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velumurugan was arrested when he tried to meet the affected people in Thoothukudi following police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters. People are arrested at the drop of a hat and the state government is functioning arrogantly through the police department, he said.

He also warned that efforts to suppress protests would not succeed and such repressive measures would only intensify agitations.