Jayaraman held on way to anti-ONGC stir

According to sources, a demonstration was scheduled at Mappillaikuppam near Nannilam in Tiruvarur where the ONGC began stocking tools for preparatory work for exploration of oil. Subsequently, a group of anti-nuke activists led by anti-methane federation activist Professor T Jayaraman, his wife Chithra and a few volunteers were proceeding to the spot for participating in the programme. However, the police stopped them mid-way and took them to Eravancherry police station a few kilometres away from Nannilam.

Meanwhile, the news of their arrest reached the villagers who were waiting at the scheduled spot to start the demonstration. Soon, villagers from Nannilam and adjacent areas gathered at the Nannilam bus stand area and staged a demonstration to release the activists.

However, police refused to release them and they did not reveal the place where the activists were kept. Subsequently, villagers blocked the road and demanded the release of the activists. They also demanded the ONGC to withdraw its exploration activities.

On receiving information, the police rushed to the spot and arrested 50 villagers. A heavy posse of police has been deployed after there was an unrest in the area.