AIADMK workers hold demonstrations, fast across TN

Continuing their protest against the conviction of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa for the third day, party workers and sympathisers today observed a fast and staged demonstrations across the state.

Police said no untoward incident was reported so far in the state, which witnessed sporadic violence such as stone pelting and torching of vehicles in the aftermath of the Bangalore special court's verdict sentencing Jayalalithaa to four years simple imprisonment in the wealth case on Sep 27.

AIADMK's women's wing functionaries held a hunger strike at party founder M G Ramachandran's Memorial at the Marina Beach here.

Similar protests by various wings of the party were also held at various places including Madurai, Erode, Tuticorin, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari Districts where slogans hailing Jayalalithaa were raised.

Supporters of the ruling AIADMK continued to express confidence that Jayalalithaa "would emerge unscathed by pursuing legal remedies as the case was fabricated."

Vehicular traffic was, however, not affected and buses and other public transport were operated as usual.

Silent demonstrations were held by sections of employees of government departments and undertakings, including the Housing department, in the city.

A large number of fishermen staged demonstrations and abstained from venturing into sea in coastal regions including Kanyakumari, Rameswaram and Tuticorin, reports received here said.

Students of some government colleges, including the Nandanam Arts College here, also staged protests.

Meanwhile, all 700 wholesale and retail vegetable and fruit outlets in the Erode Municipal Nethaji market were closed and the vendors held a demonstration wearing black shirts.