Theni: As protests over Mullaperiyar dam issue entered the 12th day on Saturday in the district, an estimated 30,000 people took out a rally demanding closure of border routes to Kerala till Tamil Nadu`s rights on the reservoir was established and the Supreme court order implemented by raising the dam level to 142 feet.
The rally ended near Kumili road where a demonstration was held. Those who participated in the rally included central government and banks employees` organizations, police said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a release said shops and business establishments would be shut for a day in the five southern districts of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram on December22, condemning Kerala government`s stand on the issue.
The waters of the dam are used for irrigation in these districts.
Expressing solidarity, the Tamil Nadu Foodgrains merchants said it would take part in the bandh in Madurai district on December 22. Advocates in Madurai burnt the effigy of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and CPI-M leader V S Achuthanandhan to protest against their reported statements concerning the safety of the dam.
Tamil film director Seeman observed fast at Theni on the issue.
While Kerala is pressing for construction of a new dam to replace the existing 116-year-old structure citing safety concerns, Tamil Nadu has maintained the dam is "as good as new" and accused the neighbouring state of whipping up a "fear psychosis" over the issue. PTI