Pro-Tamil group shuts units run by north Indians in dists

As part of the agitation against north Indian traders who they claim to have mushroomed across Tamil Nadu and finding their way through in all industries, pro-Tamil outfits have been continuing to protest against them entering the State and allegedly doing business only with fellow north Indians. The outfits claim that the arrival of north Indians have increased the unemployment rate among the Tamil Nadu youth as they are particular in employing the people from their respective States.

Members of one such outfit, the Tamil Desiya Katchi, led by its president Tamil Nesan converged near the Central bus stand here and staged a protest against north Indians. They held a rally, putting under lock and key around 50 outlets-run by such people from other States-in and around the city.

Tamil Nesan said that north Indian traders have established business in granite, marbles and tiles showrooms, thereby competing with the traders in Tamil Nadu. They have even overpowered locals now and the traders in the State have lost their business, he said. Apart from this, the north Indians also transport banned tobacco products and sell them widely, while on the platforms, they sell panipuri and other food items that pose health risks, Tamil Nesan added. He therefore appealed to the State government to control the arrival of north Indians that prevented the people of Tamil Nadu to do business.

Following the stir, the Cantonment police arrested as many as 69 members of the outfit for putting the shops under lock and key.

Meanwhile, in Thanjavur, members of an outfit similarly put granite showrooms owned by north Indians under lock and key.

However, the traders’ association from Thanjavur led by its State vice president Punniyamurthy and district secretary Murugesan lodged a complaint with the Medical College police station against the Tamil Desiya Katchi members.

The police, registering a case, have launched a search for the outfit members for holding the stir.