Tamil Nadu is likely to come to a standstill on Friday, Sept. 16 due to the bandh that has been called to protest against the violence on Tamils in Karnataka over Cauvery issue and to demand a solution over the water-sharing dispute between the two states.
Various organisations and farmers' unions have called for the bandh. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi and Communist Party of India (Marxist) have extended their support to the call. However, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is not supporting the strike.
Normal life is expected to be hit by the bandh as shops, business establishments, educational institutions and banks will reportedly remain shut. However, there is no update on Nadigar Sangam extending its support.
The actors' guild had condemned Karnataka government recently for repeatedly refusing to release water to Tamil Nadu. It had also slammed the Kannada actors who made derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
Nasser, the president of the association, had said that they support the Tamil Nadu government for its efforts to get Cauvery water to the state, and would hold protests after consulting various trade bodies.
It may be recalled that the Sandalwood had extended its support to the bandh called by pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka over the issue on Sept. 9.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owner Association has decided to support the bandh and cancelled all the shows till 6 pm.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the Cauvery water-sharing issue. On Sept. 5, the Supreme Court ordered Karnataka government to release 15,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 10 days.
This week, the court modified its earlier order and asked Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water every day to Tamil Nadu until Sept. 20. The latest directive and attack on a Kannadiga driver in Rameswaram triggered violence in Karnataka earlier this week.
