Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has revoked the prohibition against 6 persons who were arrested during a protest against the setting up of the Cheyyar Sipkot industrial park. The decision was made on the orders of Chief Minister Stalin. The revocation was confirmed in a press release issued by the Tamil Nadu government.
The government stated that the Sipgat Industrial Park has been established in the first phase of 645 hectares in the Seiyar Circle, Tiruvannamalai District, with 13 companies currently functioning. The park has provided direct employment to 27,432 people and indirect employment to 75,000 people. The second phase of the industrial park, known as Chipkot, encompasses an area of 2300 hectares, with 55 companies currently operating and providing employment to 31,645 people directly and 1,00,000 people indirectly. The government emphasized that the industrial park has led to increased employment opportunities, particularly for people from Seiyar and Vembakkam circles.
The controversy surrounding the protest arose from the government’s decision to acquire land for the expansion of the Chipcot Industrial Park. Protests led by Pachaiyappan, the protest movement coordinator, and 19 others from Krishnagiri district resulted in their arrest on various charges, including preventing government officials from working, road blockades, and disturbing public peace. The families of the arrested individuals have met with government officials to seek their release, expressing regret for their actions and pledging not to oppose government projects in the future.
Public Works Minister A. V. Velu, reacting to the revocation of the prohibition, highlighted the landscape of the Tiruvannamalai district and the impact of the industrial park on employment. He stated that the establishment of factories in the district has been crucial for creating job opportunities and economic development. However, he also acknowledged the influence of external instigators on the protests and emphasized the government’s efforts to engage with the affected communities.
The decision to arrest and charge the protestors under the Anti-Hooliganism Act has drawn criticism from political parties and farming organizations. The Marxist Communist Party and the Tamil Nadu Farmers Union have condemned the government’s actions, demanding the release of all the arrested individuals and the dismissal of the charges against them.
The revocation of the prohibition has brought some relief to the families and communities affected by the protests. However, the issue remains contentious, raising questions about the balance between industrial development and land acquisition, and the government’s approach to addressing the concerns of local residents.