Madurai residents throng shops on eve of bandh

Madurai: Petrol bunks in Madurai were crowded on Thursday night as anxious vehicle users queued up to fill the tanks on the eve of the bandh in Tamil Nadu. People also thronged retail shops and super markets to purchase household items as most trading units were likely to remain closed on Friday.
Traders have called for a total shutdown in protest against the attacks on Tamil people and their industries and establishments in Karnataka over the Cauvery issue.
Fearing that travelling by school vehicles could be risky, some private schools announced a holiday on Friday. A private school teacher said that they have decided to work on a Saturday instead.
Omni bus operators have announced that their vehicles would not ply and people who had booked their tickets were told that there fares would be returned. The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries had called upon the members and nonmembers to extend their support to the bandh. The central market and Pudur vegetable market associations have announced that they would remain closed to express solidarity for the cause.
Auto rickshaws will also be off the roads as many of the trade unions have come forward to support the bandh call. The Madurai District Lorry Owners Association president Sathaiah said that 2,600 lorries in the district will not be operated on the day of the bandh. In a press release, he said that they condemned the attacks on the Tamil Nadu-registered vehicles and on Tamil people in Karnataka. Cinema halls will also remain closed throughout the day on Friday.
The betel leaf sellers association has announced that all shops selling betel leaf will remain closed. The association of tea/coffee stall owners has also extended its support to the bandh.
Some private offices have asked their female employees to refrain from coming to office if there is tension and transport is a problem.