Protestors ransack private security office

Puducherry, Mar 19 (UNI) The Committee, opposing land acquisition for the port development at Thengaithittu, today roughed up the security guards posted by the private player, entrusted with the port development and ransacked their office.

The private company yesterday demolished the compound wall of a boat manufacturing unit, functioning in the port complex, commencing in development work.

Following this, the villagers of Thengaithittu, who thronged the site, alleged that the compound wall demolition violated a Madras High Court order that restrained commencement of any work in the site till a clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Enviornment.

Leaders and activits of several political parties assembled in front of the port's main gate and staged a dharna.

On information, senior police officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the agitators.

They asked the agitators to prefer a complaint with the police, seeking action against the private player for commencing the work violating the court order.

The Committee decided to picket the Assembly on March 27, the opening day of the budget session and surrender their ration cards to the Civil Supplies Department to register their protest.

Meanwhile, the residents of Lawspet, who would lose their houses due to Puducherry airport expansion, today staged a demonstration in front of the Secretariat to register their protest.

UNI