AIADMK workers hold demonstrations, fast across Tamil Nadu

Continuing their protest against the conviction of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa for the third day, party workers and sympathisers today observed a fast and staged demonstrations across the state. Police said no untoward incident was reported so far in the state, which witnessed sporadic violence such as stone pelting and torching of vehicles in the aftermath of the Bangalore special court's verdict sentencing Jayalalithaa to four years simple imprisonment in the wealth case on September 27.

AIADMK's women's wing functionaries held a hunger strike at party founder M G Ramachandran's Memorial at the Marina Beach here. Similar protests by various wings of the party were also held at various places including Madurai, Erode, Tuticorin, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari Districts where slogans hailing Jayalalithaa were raised.

Supporters of the ruling AIADMK continued to express confidence that Jayalalithaa "would emerge unscathed by pursuing legal remedies as the case was fabricated." Vehicular traffic was, however, not affected and buses and other public transport were operated as usual. Silent demonstrations were held by sections of employees of government departments and undertakings, including the Housing department, in the city. 

A large number of fishermen staged demonstrations and abstained from venturing into sea in coastal regions including Kanyakumari, Rameswaram and Tuticorin, reports received here said. Students of some government colleges, including the Nandanam Arts College here, also staged protests.

Meanwhile, all 700 wholesale and retail vegetable and fruit outlets in the Erode Municipal Nethaji market were closed and the vendors held a demonstration wearing black shirts. 

In Coimbatore, about 2,500 AIADMK workers and sympathisers observed a fast while 15 party men tonsured their heads as a vow for the early release of their leader. Led by City Mayor and AIADMK District Secretary Ganapati Rajkumar, some of the workers sporting black shirts, raised slogans in support of Jayalalithaa and expressed hope that she would come clean.

A Madurai report said theatres were closed in the city in expression of solidarity with Jayalalithaa.

Students of Government College in Melur boycotted classes condemning her conviction.

In Theni District, thousands of AIADMK workers, led by OPS Raja, a local party functionary and brother of new Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, participated in the fast. The venue was thronged by rural women who also organised "oppari" (a traditional practice of wailing observed during funerals in rural parts).

Shops in the southern districts remained opened today and bus services were being operated as usual, officials said.

The fishermen of Pudukottai and Nagapattinam also boycotted fishing.

Around 1,000 farmers and traders in Tiruvarur also held a demonstration in front of the local Railway station.