Villagers resort to hartal on SEZ issue

Puducherry, Apr 11: Villagers of Saidarapet near here today resorted to a hartal in Saidarapet and Karasur villages in protest against the government's move to set up Special Economic Zone (SEZs) in the villages by acquiring fertile lands.

The protestors blocked the Mylam road, following which vehicular traffic was diverted, police said.

The villagers had staged a road blockade yesterday, urging the government not to acquire land in the villages for SEZs and also demanded that the District Collector visit their village and hold talks with them on the issue.

As the District Collector did not turn up, the villagers resorted to hartal.

Police pickets were posted in the villages to prevent any untoward incidents.

UNI