Kathiramangalam protest: DMK demands release of villagers

DMK Working President M K Stalin today urged the Tamil Nadu government to release those arrested in connection with protests held recently at a village in Thanjavur district against "leak" in an ONGC pipe line.
Demanding the immediate release of villagers, Stalin said the police personnel deployed in Kathiramangalam should be withdrawn at once.
Cases slapped against farmers and public in connection with the protest should be revoked, he said.
People rose against "ONGC pipeline catching fire," but trying to control them by using police, showed the anti-people attitude of the state government, he alleged.
On June 30, a protest against a "leak" in an ONGC pipe at Kathiramangalam in Thanjavur District turned violent.

Villagers and activists clashed with police officials, prompting them to baton charge the protesters which left several persons, including two policemen, injured.

Also, several persons were arrested in connection with the incident.
Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly in a statement here said, drinking water problem of the village should be addressed.
Besides, steps must be taken to ensure that people were not affected due to the activities of ONGC in the village, he said adding that environment should be not hit by the state-run oil and gas major.