Trade unions stage road blockade in southern districts; over 2,000 persons detained

The nationwide general strike (Bharat Bandh) announced by trade unions on Thursday did not cause any major disruptions in southern districts. However over 2,000 persons were detained for staging road blockades across the southern districts.

Traders unions had called for the nationwide strike pressing various demands, including their protest against four labour codes brought by the Union Government.

Members of various trade unions including LPF, CITU, INTUC, AITUC, AICCTU took part in road blockade held at various locations across the southern districts.

In Thoothukudi district, the union members staged road blockade protests at three locations. The protest held near the Anna Bus Stand was led by LPF Trade Union leader Susi Ravidran. CITU District Secretary Russel and other members were present.

Sahayam of AICCTU said, each labour law had been secured through struggles by labour unions, and that the four labour codes brought by the union government would lead to “modern slavery”, which the unions could not accept.

Police detained over 140 persons in Thoothukudi, 100 persons in Tiruchendur and around 120 persons in Alwarthirunagari.

Bank employees, LIC staff and other insurance employees staged a protest in front of the LIC office in Thoothukudi, pressing their demands.

In Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts, over 1,000 trade union members were detained for staging road blockades.

In Tirunelveli road blockage was held at Vannarapettai. In Tenkasi, protests were held at four locations including Tenkasi, Sivagiri, Alagulam and Sankarankoil and over 700 persons were detained.

In Kanniyakumari district 1,271 union members were detained for involvement in road blockade across the district including Nagercoil, Monday Market, Thuckalay and Marthandam.

As the complete bandh was observed in Kerala, buses operating from Nagercoil to Thiruvananthapuram were stopped in Kaliyakkavilai.