PMK-led Movement resort to agitation on reopening of Mill

Kancheepuram, Nov 12 (UNI) Pattali Makkal Katchi(PMK) founder-leader S Ramadoss today led an agitation by Tamil Nadu Farmers Movement demanding reopening of the Cooperative Sugar Mill at Madurantagam in Kancheepuram district of district.

Speking on the occasion Dr Ramadoss alleged that the Mill opened during the tenure of Late K Kamaraj on March 18, 1960 was closed for the last seven years. The Tamil Nadu Government does not have the required Rs 30 crore to reopen the mill, he added.

He alleged that the government officers were responsible for the Mill's pathetic plight. The earlier AIADMK government was also responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the Mill, he alleged.

He urged Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to take immediate steps to reopen the Mill.

Mr Ramadoss said 1000 workers relied on the survival of the Mill.

Farmers from Chengalpattu, Madurantagam, Tirukazhukunram, Cheyyur, Kancheepuram, Uttaramerur, Tambaram and Tindivanam earned their livelihood by supplying sugarcane to the Mill.

He alleged that the DMK had opposed the sale of a cement company in Ariyalur to a private party when they were in the opposition but the government after regaining power was changing its track now.

UNI