1,100 held for protests against power cuts

About 1100 persons, belonging to Tamil Nadu Association of Cottage and Micro Enteprises (TACT) were arrested on Wednesday, when they attempted to stage picketing in the city, police said.

They were protesting frequent power cuts,affecting production.

As nearly 3,000 members assembled near Central Bus stand, to stage demonstration, some of them squatted on the middle of the road raising slogans against the power cuts, ranging from four to five hours daily for the last nine months, affecting production and delivery schedule, TACT Coimbatore district president, J James said.

With over 20,000 cottage and micro enterprises in the district,more than 50 per cent in rural limits, the power cut was resulting in a loss of Rs 70 crore per month due to wages paid without any work, James said.

As part of the protest, all the industries, affiliated to TACT downed their shutters, police said.