JOIN USTension prevailed at the Marina beach here on Saturday after a group of youngsters staged a flash protest urging the Centre to immediately set up the Cauvery Water Management Board.
The youngsters, including women, shouted slogans against the Centre and warned that they would converge on the Marina yet again, like they did to retrieve Tamil Nadu's rights over jallikattu in 2017.
Though the protesters were removed from the beach immediately, the police beefed up security around the 2.2-km long beach and other areas where they suspect people could launch protests on the issue.
"There are designated places in the city and police have notified those places. Protests should be held there only after obtaining permission. If the general public is affected by protests, police will take action," T S Anbu, deputy commissioner (Chennai East), told reporters after clearing the protesters.
Ever since the massive pro-jallikattu protests that rocked the Marina for more than a week last year, the popular beach has been kept out of bounds by police for any kind of agitation.
Actor and newbie politician Kamal Haasan warned the government that there would be more protests if youngsters are not allowed to agitate.
Meanwhile, the ruling AIADMK on Saturday announced the list of senior leaders who will be leading the day-long fast on the coming Tuesday in all 32 districts of the state demanding immediate constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.
Names of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, who jointly lead the party, are conspicuous by their absence.