Thanjavur: All the shops and business establishments remained shut in Thanjavur district today in response to the one-day bandh called for by various farmers associations and political parties, condemning the attacks on Tamilians and the vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu number plates in Karnataka. The bandh was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported in the district.

All the private buses and autorickshaws were off the road. With shops and business establishments remaining shut, all the major bazaars in the district wore a deserted look. However, government buses and educational institutions functioned as usual.

Around three thousand persons were arrested in connection with train and road blockades and the attempt to besiege the central government offices in the district. There were three instances of attempts to block the trains, at Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Ammapettai. Road blockades were put up at 11 places in the district.

A group of farmers and political activists, led by Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam state vice-president R Sugumaran, attempted to enter the Thanjavur railway station to block the trains. The police foiled their attempt and arrested 201 persons, including two women. At least 180 persons, including 11 women, were arrested in Kumbakonam, while 27 persons were arrested in Ayyampettai.

Led by Cauvery Rights Retrieval Committee co-ordinator, P Maniyarasan, the farmers and activists of various political outfits attempted to besiege the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Central Excise and Service Tax, on the Medical College Road in Thanjavur. 1,175 persons, including 70 women were arrested in this connection.