CPI-M condemns leader's arrest in Andhra

The CPI-M denounced the arrest on Wednesday of its leader P. Madhu in Andhra Pradesh, and accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of suppressing peaceful protests.

Madhu, secretary of the party's Andhra Pradesh unit, was arrested at the Amudalavalasa railway station in Srikakulam district to prevent him "from visiting the area where forcible land acquisition is taking place for the Polaki Power Plant.

"Many other leaders and cadres of the party in Srikakulam district were arrested while protesting against the detention of Madhu," it added, and demanded their release.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu "is constantly resorting to anti-democratic repressive measures to suppress peaceful protests", the Communist Party of India-Marxist said.