Date:02/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/02/stories/2006090220570300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Idol immersion routes marked

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI : The Chennai city police have drawn out specific routes for various Hindu groups to take out processions and immerse the Vinayaka idols on Saturday and Sunday. According to a police press note issued here, no idols made of Plaster of Paris or other chemicals would be permitted as per a Madras High Court order. Any violation would be dealt with sternly.

The police have made elaborate security arrangements on both days. They have appealed to the rallyists to ensure that there is no hindrance to people and traffic and to cooperate by adhering to timings and routes. Representatives of the groups have been briefed on the need for maintaining communal harmony during the processions and any deviation or violation of rules may compel the police to enforce law and order.

The Hindu Munnani led by Ramagopalan, the Hindu Makkal Katchi led by Arjun Sampath, Shiv Sena led by R Kumararaja and the Hindu Makkal Katchi's S V Sridharan group would take out processions on Sunday at different timings beginning from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Shiv Sena group led by G. Narayan would take out a rally between 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday. Members wishing to immerse the idols made of clay from Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts shall do so at the places identified by the officials concerned.