Reporters block CM's convoy

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JUNE 28. Reporters today blocked the convoy of the Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa, outside the Secretariat after she refused to accept a memorandum protesting the arrest of a television journalist.

Security personnel forcibly removed them from the road and made way for the convoy. Five reporters including three women, who were pushed away by policemen, sustained minor injuries.

When Ms. Jayalalithaa sped away, they organised road roko on the Kamarajar Salai outside the main gate of the Secretariat, bringing the traffic to a standstill.

Earlier, a group of reporters held a meeting at the venue of a press conference called by Tamil Nationalist Movement leader, Mr. P. Nedumaran. They condemned the arrest of the Sun TV reporter, Mr. Suresh, who covered the visit of the former DMK Minister, Mr. K. Ponmudi, to the godown of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation in Villupuram. (Mr. Ponmudi was arrested on the charge of trespassing.) The meeting decided to present a memorandum to the Chief Minister. A copy was handed over to Ms. C.K. Gariyali, Secretary to the Chief Minister.

When Ms. Jayalalithaa was leaving the Secretariat in the afternoon, the reporters tried to submit the memorandum to her directly. But as she paid no heed and sped away, they blocked her convoy.

Later, a delegation led by the president of the Reporters' Guild, Mr. R. Rangaraj, met the Chief Minister and presented the memorandum. She said Mr. Suresh was remanded to custody and promised to take up the issue with the Director- General of Police.

A meeting on the Reporters Guild premises in the evening expressed dissatisfaction with the way Ms. Jayalalithaa handled the issue and decided to take out a procession tomorrow, protesting the curbs on freedom of speech and demanding the release of Mr. Suresh.

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Section  : Southern States
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