Members of trade unions stage road roko in Thoothukudi on Monday.
| Photo Credit: N. RAJESH
As many as 521 workers, farmers and members of various trade unions were arrested during road roko protests held at six places in Thoothukudi district on Monday, condemning what the protesters termed as anti-worker, anti-farmer measures of the BJP-led Union government.The protest was organised as part of the nationwide prison fill protest, emphasising the demands of labourers, farmers and agricultural labourers.The protests were held at Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti, Tiruchendur, Vilathikulam, Seydunganallur and Srivaikuntam. Trade unions including CITU, LPF, AITUC, INTUC, UTUC, MLF, HMS, TUTC and AIUTUC participated in the protest.The protestors demanded the immediate withdrawal of the four anti-labour codes, protection of public sector undertakings from being handed over to private entities and measures to safeguard labour and trade union rights. They also condemned the irregularities in examinations and demanded the creation of more employment opportunities.They urged the union government to abandon the India-US trade agreement, which they claimed would adversely affect the rural economy. They also demanded the establishment of a national welfare fund with adequate allocation to protect the welfare of unorganised sector workers.The protestors raised various other demands concerning farmers and workers, holding placards highlighting their demands.Around 521 protestors, including 200 women were arrested across six police station limits of Thoothukudi district. Published - August 10, 2026 10:43 pm IST
