Chennai: Normal life was paralysed and transport services came to a grinding halt in
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry on October 9 following the bandh in the two states called
by all political parties in protest against non-release of Cauvery water by
Karnataka.
During the 12-hour dawn to-dusk general strike, at least 26 trains have been
suspended and several long distance trains regulated and stopped at major railway
stations in Tamil Nadu. The bandh was so far reported to be peaceful.
The decision to call a strike was taken at the all party meeting convened by Chief
Minister Jayalalithaa on October 8 to protest against Karnatka's reluctance to
release Cauvery waters despite a Supreme Court directive.
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws stayed off the roads as security was beefed up at
vulnerable points throughout the state.
There was some sense of normalcy in operation of flights at Meenambakkam airport but
the passengers had to go through immense hardships.
Many establishments recorded low attendance while schools and colleges remained
closed. Most of the petrol bunks in Pondicherry were also closed down.
PTI
