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Vigil heightened across state, outfits call off December 6 protests
In all the eight western districts of the state, which has been the stronghold of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, security was beefed up. The action follows the news about the critical condition of the Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa being broadcast by television channels.
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Coimbatore
A senior police officer on condition of anonymity said, “On the instruction from the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) on Sunday night the officers were on the road silently monitoring the situation. On Monday afternoon we received a second alert from the headquarters and started mobilising manpower and surveillance.”
“Close to 1,800 personnel from the police and police supportive forces such as Armed Reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police, Home Guards were roped in for the security arrangements, another police officer said. Announcements were not made on the walkie talkie to avoid panic as the public too could hear the announcements. Police were also deployed at bus stands, railway stations, important junctions and government establishments to monitor the situation. Mobile parties of 15 persons were also stationed at quite a few places in the city to rush to the spot in case of emergency.
Meanwhile, seven political parties and outfits here have cancelled their December 6 protests and demonstrations in the city following the news about the Chief Minister’s health. Earlier four Muslim parties and organisations and three Hindu outfits have planned to picket the airport and railway station in the city on Tuesday in connection with Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.
Unusual rush at fuel stations
There was an unusual rush at fuel stations from Sunday night after news about Jayalalithaa’s cardiac arrest started circulating. “We wish our Chief Minister speedy recovery. But we are buying vegetables and other items to face any situation,” says J Joy, a homemaker. Many employees had obtained permission for a couple of hours to buy essential items in the city. Manager of a midsized supermarket was surprised at the sudden crowd on Monday afternoon.
Security for Madurai
Apollo Meanwhile, security was enhanced for the Madurai branch of Apollo Hospitals. Similarly, all places of importance and temples were under thick security blanket. Police sources said that it was for the Babri Masjid Demolition anniversary which falls on Tuesday.
Buses Damaged
As rumours about the Chief Minister’s death started going the rounds, three buses, two in Madurai and one in Tirunelveli were damaged. Meanwhile, AIADMK cadres offered special prayers at various temples for Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s speedy recovery.
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