DMK rally: 'This procession is different from others'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, AUG. 11. The police have made the following traffic diversion in the city from 1 p.m. on Sunday in view of the procession being taken out by the DMK. Motorists could contact the traffic control room at 5385599 or 98400 17626 for any information on diversion.

The procession starts from Little Mount and will reach Seerani Arangam via Anna Salai, Chamiers Road, TTK Salai, Music Academy, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai and Kamarajar Salai.

Vehicles coming from Jawaharlal Nehru Statue and proceeding to South Chennai will be diverted via Kathipara Junction, Halda Junction and SV Patel Road.

Those proceeding to Anna Salai, Central Railway Station from Nehru Statue will be diverted along the 100 Feet Road, 11th Avenue, Govindan Road, Aranganathan Subway, Usman Road, Panagal Park, G.N.Chetty Road and Anna Rotary.

Similarly vehicles can reach Nehru Statue point from the city on the same route.

Assembling points

Meanwhile, a press release from the DMK headquarters directed its cadres to assemble at Maraimalai Adigalar Bridge, Raj Bhavan Road, Velacheri Road and at Halda Junction by 2 p.m. for the procession.

Commissioner's warning

The City Police Commissioner, Mr. K. Muthukaruppan, warned that while the police will exercise maximum restraint any act of violence would be dealt with severely.

``There is a difference between the DMK procession and other processions. This procession was being taken out against the police. The police have been directed to remain calm and not to be provoked by any slogan shouting. However we have a larger responsibility of protecting the lives of people, safeguarding public and private properties. Under no circumstances will we allow any act of violence'', the Commissioner said.

Water cannons and teargas lobbing machines have been stationed at strategic locations. Moreover, as part of a precautionary exercise about 30 video camers have been positioned in different points along the procession route and there would also be nine mobile video cameras.

Special arrangements were being made for members of the media covering the procession.

Earlier, the DCP (Traffic) South, Mr. A. K. Viswanathan, said police were providing alternative routes for those going to the airport and railway terminals. The police were taking all steps to ensure least inconvenience to motorists during the procession.

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Section  : Southern States
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