Over 1,000 people hold black flag demo at Tirupur collectorate

: Nearly 1000 persons from various walks of life laid siege of the Tirupur collectorate today, demanding immediate implementation of the long pending Avanashi-Athikadavu Ground Water Recharge scheme, even as the indefinite fast by 14 persons entered the eighth day today.
Police said farmers and traders were among those who gathered at the collectorate this afternoon, holding black flags and raising slogans in support of their demand.
The people said they had decided on this form of protest as there was no response from the Government, despite various types of agitation to try to get them to implement the scheme.

The protestors claimed the scheme would benefit Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode districts.
Police quoted them as saying they would return their ration cards and Electoral identification cards if there was no assurance from the authorities concerned on implementing the scheme
Senior police officials are holding dialogue with them.
Meanwhile, five of the 10 persons on fast for the last seven days in Annur, some 35 Kms from here for the same reason, were treated for fatigue, police said.
Protestors claimed all political parties had expressed support to their agitation.