Chennai: The shutdown strike called by various organisations representing farmers, traders, transporters and others began in Tamil Nadu on Friday, September 16. Police have deployed thousands of personnel across the state to ensure peace.

The general strike called by different organisations demanded Cauvery river water and protested against attacks on Tamils and their property in Karnataka.

The bandh call given by several farmers and traders bodies, including Tamil Nadu All Farmers’ Federations and Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (a traders’ collective) is supported by main Opposition party DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, MDMK, PMK, TMC, CPI(M), and CPI. Protesters have also called for rail and road ‘rokos’.

While sporadic demonstrations were held on Thursday too, a 24-year-old man set himself on fire at a rally held by Nam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) for “retrieving Tamil Nadu’s rights in Cauvery,” and to condemn attacks on the Tamils in Karnataka. An official of the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital, where he has been admitted, said that the man has sustained 93 per cent burns and his chances of survival are dim.

While public transport, government offices, schools, colleges, banks and others carried on with their routine, majority of shops remained closed across the state. Many private schools also declared holiday.

Cadres of some political parties trying to stop trains in some places were taken into custody by the police. However, essentials like milk delivery by the state government undertaking, Aavin was not affected.

Privately owned fuel outlets remained shut but those owned by the oil marketing companies were functioning.