Tamil Nadu: Villagers go on fast against ONGC project

Protests against the ONGC’s oil exploration project continued in Kathiramangalam village in the district on Tuesday. People observed fast demanding the release of those arrested in connection with the violence on June 30.

Around 150 local residents of the village sat on fast on Monday evening in front of the Ayyanar temple. In order to persuade protestors, government officials rushed to the spot and held talks with them to call off their fast.

Refusing to budge, the protestors sought the release of 10 persons arrested on June 30. The villagers have been up in arms against crude oil exploration by ONGC and a protest by them had turned violent on June 30, leading to use of “minimum force” by police, which was criticised by opposition parties in the state.

Also, shops remained shut for several days in the village to express solidarity with the protesting residents.

With PTI inputs.

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