TN fishermen stir turns violent

The statewide agitation by Tamil Nadu fishermen demanding higher diesel subsidy turned violent on Friday with the demonstrations stoning buses and holding up trains in several parts of the state.

More than 1,500 fisherman, led by Tamil Nadu Fishermen Forum leader R Anbazhagan, were arrested for staging a demonstration at Madras.

At least seven buses were damaged in stone-throwing in the city, affecting vehicular traffic.

A Tiruchirapalli report said passengers of the Tiruchirapalli-Madras Cholan Express had a miraculous escape as the Railway Protection Force personnel removed in time boulders placed on the tracks between Cuddalore and Thirupathiripulaiyur stations.

Railway police detained 87 fishermen when they tried to enter Sirkazhi station and picket the Villupuram-Mayiladuturai passenger train.

Life in Nagapattinam was affected, and the Nagore-Thanjavur Passenger and the Tiruchirappalli-Nagore Passenger were detained in the town.

The state government on Thursday night increased the diesel subsidy to 23 paise per litre.