Strike incident-free; 4,000 held for stir

No major violence has been reported in the city as part of the protests and public life went on as normal. Bus and train services were not affected but a large number of shops were closed. Some miscreants pelted stones at a car showroom at Saidapet, damaging its glass panels. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Protests were held at 32 locations in Chennai, with senior DMK leaders K Kanimozhi heading the agitation. Party leaders demanded the intervention of the Centre to end the long-drawn Cauvery water dispute and also urged the government to take steps to protect the interests and safety of Tamil people in Karnataka. Police made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order. Government and private establishments were provided police protection. MTC buses were operational and police thwarted efforts by some protestors to block vehicles. Train service was also not affected. Attendance at government and private offices and schools was near normal. 

The farmers’ strike in the Delta region passed off peacefully on Friday despite agitations, protests and road blocks.

Government offices and educational institutions functioned as usual. Around 10,000 members of various political parties and farmers associations were arrested across the region while Vaiko, along with MDMK workers, courted arrest attempting to besiege the busy railway junction. Vaiko told reporters that union ministers were working overtime to ensure that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala alter and construct dams in their respective states so that Tamil Nadu does not get water for farming operations. Vehicular movement was minimal in some of the major cities like Madurai, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. Opposition political parties, Omni bus operators, private schools and traders extended their support to the strike. Most shops and commercial establishments remained closed In Madurai, there was delay in operating TNSTC buses and hence in the morning, share autorickshaws came to the help of commuters.  But vehicle owners were most affected due to the closure of fuel stations. Most were turned back and asked to return in the evening. Though groceries remained closed there was no shortage of essential items including milk.