A dawn-to-dusk bandh called by several farmers and traders bodies over the enraged Cauvery dispute began on Friday across Tamil Nadu. Amid tight security with opposition parties, including the DMK supporting it.
As those who had addressed the bandh call have said a set of protests, including “road and rail roko“, will be included, thousands of police personnel have been deployed across the state to sustain law and order.
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Police said tight vigil would be maintained and no attempts to mar public peace or disruption of smooth movement of transportation on road or rail would be allowed.
Various local grocery stores, which normally open by daybreak, will remain closed in view of the protests.
State transport corporation-run buses besides trains are being operated as usual though autos, taxis, and commercial freight operators will remain off the roads.
The bandh has been called in protest against the violence targeting Tamils in Karnataka and also to seek Cauvery water for the state.
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Barring the ruling AIADMK, its allies and trade unions affiliated, all other Opposition parties, including the DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress, DMDK, MDMK, Left parties and the PMK, are supporting the bandh.
Thousands of police personnel, including armed reserve forces, have been deployed in Tamil Nadu and in Chennai over 15,000 policemen are on duty.
Protection was being provided for Karnataka-related business establishments, schools, institutions and areas where Kannada speaking people live, including Krishnagiri district.
Meanwhile, during the protest, Karunanidhi‘s daughter and MP Kanimojhi and MDM Leader Vaiko have been detained by Tamilnadu Police and the activist belonging to Naam Tamizhar Katchi had suffered over 90 per cent burns and died this morning.