The Indu Makkal Katchi staged a protest near Dams Road, off Anna Salai, on Thursday, demanding that the Indian Cricket Council (ICC) cancel the ongoing India and Bangladesh Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk. The protesters stated that Hindus were being targeted and attacked in Bangladesh, citing numerous violent incidents.
The protest follows recent political unrest in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 amid student protests and widespread violence aimed at dethroning her. Despite Bangladesh’s President Mohammad Shahabuddin appointing Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus to lead an interim government, the Hindu Makkal Katchi alleged that attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have continued.
Led by Indu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath, the protesters gathered near Dams Road, raising slogans against Bangladesh. Although Chennai police refused to allow the demonstration close to the stadium, the protesters continued near their designated location, prompting traffic diversions on Anna Salai near Bata Point.
தேவையா? தேவையா? கிரிக்கெட் போட்டி தேவையா? !!! pic.twitter.com/5zIv2CKaAr
— Indu Makkal Katchi (Offl) 🇮🇳 (@Indumakalktchi) September 19, 2024
A heavy police presence was deployed around the protest site, with barricades placed to prevent the demonstrators from marching towards the stadium. It was reported later that more than 50 Hindu activists from the party including Arjun Sampath have been taken into custody by the Tamil Nadu Police for protesting against the India-Bangladesh cricket match.
JUST IN
More than 50 Hindu activists of the @Indumakalktchi have been taken into custody by the #TamilnaduPolice for protesting against the #IndiaBangladeshCricketMatch outisde the MA Chidambaram stadium in #Chennai now.
More details awaited.@imkarjunsampath @MeghUpdates…
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) September 19, 2024
Arjun Sampath arrested, for protesting against Bangladesh vs India cricket match. pic.twitter.com/g1jpFl0Egk
— Indu Makkal Katchi (Offl) 🇮🇳 (@Indumakalktchi) September 19, 2024
The party had earlier stated that they would not allow the match to take place in Chennai.
IMK will never allow the Bangladesh vs India match at Chepauk Stadium, Chennai.
Massive statewide protests will erupt, even inside the stadium, to disrupt the game.
We dare the BCCI or @tnpoliceoffl to challenge us on this.
DONT INSULT US HINDUS.!!
— Indu Makkal Katchi (Offl) 🇮🇳 (@Indumakalktchi) September 17, 2024
(With inputs from TOI)
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