Anitha’s death triggers protests against Neet
The suicide of Ariyalur student Anitha has triggered massive public outrage in the state with groups of students, Tamil nationalist movements, Leftist groups and Dalit activists taking to the streets with protests, road blockades and burning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effigies.
A total of 1,450 persons were arrested throughout the state, according to the police.
Besides, about 3,000 protesters were let off after detention for a few hours. In Chennai city, protests were held at 17 places resulting in the arrest of 735 persons including 100 women.
As Anitha’s death gave a new life to the anti-Neet agitations, which turned into vociferous protests against the Central and state governments, BJP offices throughout the state came under heavy security blanket, in a clear indication of the strong resentment against the saffron party, which is accused of forcing Neet on Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu appears to be heading towards another round of protests and political activities on Neet since the mainstream parties declared that they would decide on the kind of coordinated protests to scrap Neet.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol.
Thirumavalavan said parties including DMK, Congress, Left, VCK and other outfits said they would chalk out plans for the protest to demand that education should be removed from the concurrent list and placed in the state list alone.
Hundreds of personnel had been deployed at the Marina beach following appeals on social media to gather at the beach.