Puducherry: About 40 members of Gramappura Makkal Padukappu Iyyakkam and other pro-Tamil groups were arrested on Monday when they attempted to lay siege of a branch of Karnataka Bank to protest against the attack on Tamilians and their business establishments in Karnataka State and the stand of Karnataka government on Cauvery issue.
At around 11.30 am, the agitators belonging to various Tamil groups including Tamizhar Kalam,Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam,Ambedkar Thondar Padai,Tamizhar Desiya Iyyakkam took out a procession starting from Jawaharl Lal Nehru street to lay siege to Karnataka Bank.
Police stopped the protesters when they reached near the bank. The cadres started to raise slogans against the Karnataka government, which failed to give protection to Tamilians in the state and also burnt the photograph of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
A group of protesters crossed police barricades and picketed in front of the bank. The agitators were arrested by the police.
Tension prevailed on the premises of Karnataka bank again when a group of protesters belonging to the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) entered the branch carrying broomsticks. The agitators started to bang on the tables and counters in the bank. Protesters asked the staff and customers to leave the place leading to a panic situation.
The situation became normal after police rushed to the place and arrested the cadres. The bank was closed following the instruction from the police and a large force of police was deployed in the premises of the bank to prevent any incidents.
