Over 1000 farmers arrested in TN for MSP stir

Chennai, Nov 27 (UNI) More than 1,000 farmers were arrested at various places in Tamil Nadu when they attempted to stage rail-bus roko stir demanding that the Centre hike the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 1,000 per quintal at par with wheat.

Normal life was affected in Cauvery Delta region of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts following the agitation by peasants representing various farmers association.

In Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association president Pakkirisamy, who led the protest along with farmers were taken into custody. In Thiruthuraipoondi more than 500 farmers, including Ulaganathan, MLA were rounded up by the police, when they attempted to block the highway and movement of trains in the railway station.

Farmers Association union secretary Kaliaperumal and others were arrested, when they stopped the Thanjavur-Thiruvarur train at Needamangalam station.

Paddy growing farmers in the state, especially those in the delta districts, were unhappy over the MSP fixed by the Centre recently.

The MSP for common variety was Rs 645 a quintal and for Grade A variety Rs 675 a quintal compared to Rs 620 and Rs 650 during the previous season (2006-07).

The Centre had increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 150 a quintal.

UNI