Farmers and fishermen from the seaside coastal town of Thondangi in East Godavari district strongly protested and opposed the setting up of Divis Pharmaceutical Unit with an investment of Rs 1500 crores. Since several days the protestors had set up makeshift tents in the area to continue the protests. On Thursday, the protestors torched the temporary office of Divis and even demolished the boundary wall set up by the company. On Friday, police were deployed to the scene and the protestors after being lathi-charged were apprehended and shifted from the area. Some of the fishermen vented their ire at police personnel for having caught and dragged women protestors by their hair.
The police arrived at the scene, removed the makeshift tents and arrested those who were reluctant to listen, while the others were lathi-charged and dispersed from the scene. However, those who were leading the agitation from the front were taken away in police vehicles. Even, Left Parties expressed their support to the agitation led by farmers and fishermen against the set up of Divis Laboratories. The leaders of the Left Parties were arrested and taken to the Tuni Police Station. On the other hand, the farmers and fishermen have made it clear that not even an inch of land will be given to Divis, as they fear losing their livelihood. Senior TDP leader Yanamala Rama Krishnudu, the Leader of the House in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council too has opposed the setting up of Divis Pharma.