Water woes dampen IPL in TN
AGITATION Protesters clash with police outside Chennai stadium demanding IPL matches in the city be cancelled over wastage of water
CHENNAI: Thousands of protesters demanding cancellation of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Chennai jostled with police and burned merchandise as the popular cricket tournament returned to the city after two years amid rising anger over a growing water crisis across Tamil Nadu.
Police arrested dozens of protesters, including film personalities who have sided with protesting groups over the sensitive issue, as an estimated 4,000 security personnel formed a ring around the iconic Chepauk stadium where home team Chennai Super Kings took on the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The drought-prone state has witnessed mounting protests in recent weeks over a disputed accord with neighbouring Karnataka on how to share water from the Cauvery river, a hot-button issue in southern India.
The state government had recommended shifting of the IPL games from Chennai but said it would provide security if the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) went ahead.
The two team buses entered the stadium under heavy secu- rity even as protesters wearing black t-shirts and waving black balloons shouted slogans against the organisers.
The protesters also tried to break through the police barriers but were unsuccessful. In between, police also used force to bring the crowd under control. Among those who were allegedly assaulted by police included award-winning director Vetrimaran.
Several film directors who were addressing the protesters through hand-held megaphones were taken into custody.
Poet and lyricist Vairamuthu accused police of acting at the behest of the central government and beating up Tamilians who were fighting for the cause of the farmers.
The agitation against the IPL ties was launched by little-known groups — including Tamilzhar Vazhvu Urmayi Katchi, Viduthuthalai Chirutaigal Katchi and Naam Tamizhar Katchi — which asked the BCCI to respect the sufferings of the drought-hit farmers. Film stars and directors have also formed a body called Tamil Panpaattu Peravai,
“EPS and his government are nothing but criminals, and we will not vote for them again,” said farmers leader PR Pandian.
A multi-layered security cordon around the stadium was set in place from Monday night by Chennai Police commissioner AK Viswanathan.
“We will ensure it goes on peacefully,” the top cop of the city said.
Ticket holders had to pass through at least four rings of security and multiple checkpoints till the police personnel were satisfied that they were not carrying any banned items ranging from electronic devices to posters. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, however, allowed mobile phones.
No spectator wearing a black shirt or tunic was allowed inside.
AIADMK leader and state fisheries minister D Jayakumar said, “My personal view is that when the state is boiling with Cauvery issue, this is not the right time to conduct the game. I told the organisers (of IPL) the same thing, but if they want to continue and go ahead it is up to them.”
Opposition DMK working president MK Stalin had asked the IPL authorities to take sentiments of the people into consideration but added that the party was not against holding the matches.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan had sought a ban on IPL matches in the state as did other leaders such as Pattali Makkal Katchi chief S Ramadoss.
Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth also weighed in on the controversy, urging fans to support the protesters.
“If they (organisers) don’t cancel the matches, at least they should allow players and spectators to wear black badges,” he said. The Chennai Super Kings, a two-time winner of the cash-rich tournament, played their first home match since a two-year ban for illegal gambling was lifted.
The Chennai stadium is scheduled to host the IPL matches between April 10 and May 20.