AIFB bandh evokes partial response

Madurai, Apr 24: The bandh call, given by Tamil Nadu unit of the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) in the Southern districts of the state to condemn the desecration of the statue of veteran freedom fighter and icon of Mukkulathor community Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, evoked a partial response today.

Normal life remained unaffected in the Southern districts even as state-owned buses operated with police protection. However, some private bus and mini bus operators suspended their services.

In Madurai, most of the shops remained closed. Essential services like milk supply, medical and other services were not affected. The Central and State Government offices were functioning as usual.

More than 20 buses of the State Transport Corporation were damaged by unidentified miscreants in Nagamalai Pudukkottai, Vandiyur, Thathaneri, Periyar Bus Stand, Melur Road and near the City Corporation Office in Madurai district. In Nagamalai Pudukkottai alone, eight buses were vandalised by miscreants, police said.

Police have arrested more than 100 AIFB activists, when they attempted to disrupt traffic at Nagamalai Pudukkottai, Goripalayam, Usilampatti and various places in the district.

As part of the tight security arrangements made in view of the bandh, police pickets were posted in sensitive areas, while patrolling was intensified to prevent any untoward incidents.

UNI