Demanding immediate withdrawal of GST on handloom and power loom products, over 1,000 weavers on Friday observed a fast in Negumum near Pollachi in the district.

Led by DMK South rural secretary Tamilmani, the weavers said that there was no tax over the products for the last 50 years.

The sudden introduction of the tax from five to 10 per cent will adversely affect the livelihood of the weavers, who are already suffering from the high cost of raw material and lesser wages.

Considering the plight, the Centre should immediately withdraw the GST otherwise the agitation will be intensified by bringing the entire weavers across the State under one umbrella, they said.

DMK organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi addressed the weavers.