Tamil Nadu: Security tightened in Chennai as DMK set to hold mega rally against CAA

Security in Chennai has been tightened as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance parties are all set to hold a mega rally on December 23 to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). police reportedly expect a crowd of around 20,000 people at  rally. Police have employed video cameras across route from where rally would proceed. Anti-riot vehicles with water canns are also on standby if required to be used at any point in time in rally.

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Police denied permission for rally, HC gave go-ahead

police had initially denied permission for rally. y cited  violence that has occurred in recent protests held against CAA across country which has resulted in injuries to protestors and police personnel and dam to public property as well. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Madras High Court against organising of rally. Madras High Court heard PIL on Sunday evening and granted permission to conduct rally. However, it has also granted permission to police to video record rally so that perpetrators, if any, would be made accountable. court also ordered police to make use of drones, if necessary, to monitor situation.

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HC orders us of drones to hold perpetrators if any, responsible

judges, t wanting to take any chances in view of violent incidents reported across country during such protests, ordered that if rally is held without police permission, it should be recorded using drone cameras. This is so that political leaders concerned could be made liable for violence.

Along with DMK, Kamal Haasan founded Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) was to participate in rally. In a set back to rally, MNM backed out on Saturday evening stating that Haasan was travelling abroad for medical consultations. party’s vice-president R Mahendran was already out of country hence party has expressed its inability to participate in rally.

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