CHENNAI: The Kancheepuram district police have granted conditional permission to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay to visit Ekanapuram village, the epicentre of the ongoing protests against the proposed Parandur greenfield airport, on January 20.

According to sources, the police have imposed several stringent conditions on Vijay's visit, including restrictions on the location where the actor-politician is to meet the protesters, attendance, and duration of the event.

The TVK chief will be allowed to interact with local residents who have been staging agitations against the proposed airport, but only at a location designated by the police and with a limited number of people.

Explaining the curbs prescribed by the police, a top TVK functionary said the authorities have said Vijay can only meet the villagers at a place chosen by the police, apparently to ensure that the gathering remains peaceful and does not disrupt law and order situation in the area.

“Only a specified number of people will be allowed to attend the meeting, and they must arrive in authorised vehicles to prevent overcrowding. The meeting must conclude by a specified time, and attendees are not allowed to gather in large numbers to prevent any potential law and order situation. These are the main conditions stipulated by the police,” the party leader said.

It may be noted that the police have denied permission to other parties, including the BJP, PMK, and Puthiya Thamizhagam, as well as anti-corruption origanisation Arappor Iyakkam, to hold protest meetings in the area.

On Pongal day, TVK functionaries Ayyanathan and Jagatheesan visited the village and met with the agitating villagers, reiterating the party's commitment to their demands.

The proposed Parandur greenfield airport has been a contentious issue, with local residents and farmers expressing concerns over the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.