Protesting CPI workers held

: Around 200 volunteers and leaders of farmers wing of Puducherry unit of CPI were arrested today for a bid to lay siege to the Raj Nivas (office of Lt Governor) pressing for various demands including waiver of crop loans.

They took out a procession from neighbouring Pillaithottam and were held on their way to Raj Nivas, police said.

Among those held included national council member of CPI N Kalainathan, AITUC secretary V S Abishegam, farmers wing leader N Geethanathan and CPI's town secretary K Murugan.

They raised slogans condemning the "negative stand of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in routine administration.
 

Those arrested were later let off, police said.