Anti-ONGC stir continues in TN; no pipeline crack, says DC

Amid continuing protest against ONGC's oil exploration project in a village near here, the district administration today said there was no crack in the oil pipeline and offered to hold talks with the locals.
The clarification from district Collector A Annadurai came even as shops in Kathiramangalam remained closed for the sixth day protesting the alleged leak in the ONGC pipeline.
The Collector said there was no crack in the ONGC pipeline and added that officials were checking if oil had leaked and got mixed with drinking water.
He also offered to hold talks with the locals over the issue.

Meanwhile, around 500 villagers blocked a main road and alleged that water in one of the streets was contaminated and smelt of petrol, police said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Venkatesan rushed to the spot and held talks with them, following which the protest was withdrawn.

In a related development, around 300 weavers from the village, undertook a protest fast, seeking release of those arrested in connection with the violence on June 30, police said.
They also demanded that ONGC stop exploration work in the the village and its workers leave the place.
About 50 college students also participated in the fast.

Residents in Kathiramangalam have been up in arms against the leak in an ONGC pipeline and a protest had turned violent on June 30, leading to use of "minimum force" by police, which was criticised by opposition parties in the state.