Cauvery protests: DMK, other parties extend support to TN bandh on Sept 16

Chennai: Opposition parties, including DMK, on Wednesday extended their support to the September 16 Tamil Nadu bandh called by various traders and farmers bodies in the state over the Cauvery water sharing row.

"DMK has decided to support the bandh," party President M Karunanidhi said in a statement.

He urged his party workers to extend "full support" to the protest and participate in good numbers in the bandh, called to protest against the violence targeting Tamils in Karnataka and seek a long-term solution to the water sharing issue.

VCK, MDMK, PMK, CPI (M) and CPI have also expressed their support to the bandh.

VCK founder leader Thol Thirumavalavan said his party workers will participate in the rail blockade as part of the bandh and that he himself would lead a protest in Chennai.

President of the Coordination Committee of Tamil Nadu All Farmers Associations PR Pandian said while about 22 lakh shops will be closed on Friday, 11 lakh lorries will keep off the roads while farmers and members of political parties would ensure the proposed rail-blockade.

The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu (Federation of Tamil Nadu Traders' Association) is also taking part in the bandh.

The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association announced petrol bunks would remain shut from dawn to dusk on Friday.

About 4,600 fuel outlets will not function on September 16, according to the association Secretary Mohammed.

Meanwhile, protests on the Cauvery issue continued in different parts of the state.

BJP state President Tamizhisai Sounderrajan led a protest in Chennai where the agitating members raised slogans against the Karnataka government.

Groups such as Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NMK) held protests in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Sivakasi and Tanjavur, among other places.