Strike over Mekedatu reservoir begins in TN

A strike, called by Tamil Nadu farmers and backed by opposition parties and trade unions, over the Mekedatu reservoir row began in the state this morning amid tight security. DMK, DMDK, PMK, MDMK, Congress and the Left parties are among those who are supporting the bandh.

A strike, called by Tamil Nadu farmers and backed by opposition parties and trade unions, over the Mekedatu reservoir row began in the state this morning amid tight security.

The bandh has been called to press the Centre to rein in Karnataka from going ahead with its plan build a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu and to urge it to set up the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority.

The bandh has been supported by retailers, traders and opposition-backed transport corporation unions. It began with flash protests by an outfit supporting the bandh here.

A group of cadres of the Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi, led by former MLA Velmurugan, resorted to protest in Koyambedu here and they were detained by police.

A sizeable chunk of shops were shut as Tamil Nadu's two big traders' associations, led by Vellaiyan and Vikramaraja, have supported the strike call.

State Assembly proceedings slated for today has been postponed to Monday.

Farmers' coordination panel chief P R Pandian has said that protests including "rail roko" will be staged across the state.

DMK, DMDK, PMK, MDMK, Congress and the Left parties are among those who are supporting the bandh. Ruling AIADMK has so far not formally supported the shutdown.

Police said security has been enhanced and vigil mounted across the state. Additional police personnel have been deployed in areas bordering Karnataka, at central government offices and railway stations.