The cadres of the Opposition led by the DMK conducted agitations in several places in Chennai, condemning the police firing in Thoothukudi which rendered 13 protesters dead.
DMK and other political parties have called for a statewide bandh demanding the resignation of the AIADMK government over the issue and dismissal of the DGP.
Bus and other transport services were affected as the cadres took to the streets.
DMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi led the protest in front of Egmore Railway Station. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi leader M.H. Jawahirullah and DMK MLAs also participated.
In Saidapet, former Mayor and DMK MLA Ma. Subramanian, and former deputy Mayor and Congress leader ‘Karate’ Thiyagarajan led the agitation. Traffic was blocked on Anna Salai and other arterial roads. Shops were closed in some pockets. Over 2,000 activists including DMK,Congress, VCK, CPI(M) leaders courted arrest at the end of the agitation.
Over 15,000 police personnel have been deployed to provide protection in the city. A heavy posse of police have been deployed around DGP office, Marina Beach and Secretariat.
Film director and pro-Tamil activist V. Gowthaman and members of Makkal Adhigaram also observed a fast inside Central Prison.