Normal life was partially affected across the Cauvey Delta in Tamil Nadu following a bandh called by trader organisations, farmers groups and opposition parties in the state. The state-wide 12-hour bandh from 6am to 6pm saw protests by a number of political parties condemning violence against Tamils in Karnataka and demanded a permanent solution to the Cauvery dispute between the two states. With the ruling AIADMK not lending support to the bandh, normal life was not disrupted despite shops and vegetable markets being shut in several parts. The bandh was largely peaceful in the Cauvery Delta.
Nagapattinam
In Nagapattinam, buses, auto-rikshaws and taxis were playing on the streets. Most shops in the district, however, remained shut adhering to bandh call from trade organisations. Opposition political parties like MDMK, DMK, VCK and Congress protested on Friday morning. VCK cadres conducted a rail roko protest but were detained by the police. The protests were conducted in various areas like Vedarnayam, Nagappatinam, Puliyur and Velankanni.
Trichy
As in other parts of Tamil Nadu, trucks stayed off roads. Public transport was available, while only around 50% of auto-riskshaws were plying on the street. Most shops had downed their shutters in Trichy.
MDMK leader Vaiko with about 200 cadres carried out a rail roko at Trichy junction. They were later detained by the police. VCK and DMK parties also conducted protests in Trichy. Many farmers’ organisations also carried out protests.
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Tanjavur
Public buses functioned as per schedule in Thanjavur. Auto-rikshaws and taxis were also available in the district.
Around 300 cadres belonging to the Left parties and VCK were detained after carrying out a rail roko at Thanjavur railway station on Friday.
Around 150 members belonging to traders’ associations protested outside the Central Excise office and were later detained by the police.
