Salem farmers go on fast against expressway

Salem: Farmers of 23 villages along with their family members observed a day-long fast at four places in Salem district, intensifying their protest against the proposed Salem- Chennai 8-lane expressway and vowed to continue their stir.

The farmers' families affected by the threatened land acquisition for the project congregated at four villages of Uttama-chozhapuram, Naazhikalpatti, Ramalingapuram and Kuppanoor, and observed fast.

Protesters raised slogans against the AIADMK government in the State and the BJP government at the centre with black flags, even as some of them had tied their eyes and mouths with black cloth.

The coordinator of the farmers' movement, R Mohanasundram asked what was the need for the hurry on the Centre's part to appeal against the Madras High court order in the Supreme court, when the people were totally opposed to the project.

The Apex court refusing to stay the HC order "is some consolation, but we will consult other farmers associations to decide on the next course of action," he added.