IPL 2018: Fearing Cauvery Protests, Tight Security at Chepauk Stadium

IPL 2018: Fearing protests by Tamil groups and politicians over the Cauvery water sharing row, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have enforced unprecedented security arrangements for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 match.

Political parties were also taking steps to cancel the match with the state boiling against the Centre, which fails to set up a  Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC).

Read also Tamil Nadu Bandh Over Cauvery Issue

IPL 2018: Fearing Cauvery Protests, Tight Security at Chepauk Stadium | IPL 2018 at Chepauk Stadium

Today, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, popularly known as Chepauk Stadium.

According to the authorities, more than 2,000 police personnel would be deployed at the Chepauk stadium and, as a safety measure, people wearing black coloured dress will not be allowed to watch the match.

They also banned viewers from bringing mobile phones, remote control car-key or any electronic devices, bags, briefcases, pagers, radios, laptops, computers, tape-recorders, digital diaries, and even binoculars. The banned list also includes musical instrument, crackers, inflammable materials, firearms and ammunition, thermos flasks, water jugs, bottles, cigarettes, beedis, lighters, razors, scissors, mirrors and glass, knifes and batteries.

IPL 2018: Fearing Cauvery Protests, Tight Security at Chepauk Stadium | IPL 2018 at Chepauk Stadium

The use of transistors, cameras or any other audio visual recording equipment for recording and for communication the match details, statistics and images have also been prohibited.

Read also Cauvery Issue: Kamal Haasan Accused the Tamil Nadu Government

Speaking to reporters, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said necessary security would be provided to the IPL associations. He said it was for the organisers to decide whether to cancel the IPL match or not.

Meanwhile, a group of Tamil film industry, led by Director Bharathirajaa, R.K. Selvamani and V. Sekar bobbed an association called Tamil Panpaattu Peravai, and they told reporters that conducting IPL match when the state is struggling for Cauvery river water is an attempt to divert the youth. Bharathirajaa said they would hold the protest against the match.

Read also Cauvery Issue: Tamil Nadu Farmers Bury themselves in Sand to Protest Against Centre

Earlier DMK working leader M.K. Stalin said the organisers of the IPL matches should understand the state people’s problems and act.

Asked on the issue, Stalin said the DMK was not against holding the IPL matches here. However, he requested the match organisers to understand the problems faced by the TN people and act accordingly.

IPL 2018: Fearing Cauvery Protests, Tight Security at Chepauk Stadium | IPL 2018 at Chepauk Stadium

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan had also sought a ban on IPL matches in Tamil Nadu. Viewers have also been told not to dishonour the Indian flag. No food or drink from outside will also be permitted.

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