As opposition to IPL matches to be held here grew over the Cauvery issue with AMMK leader Dhinakaran appealing to cricket fans to shun it, the Tamil Nadu government today assured security for the event.
Ruling AIADMK's rival and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader Dhinakaran appealed to cricket lovers to shun IPL matches scheduled to be held here to 'strengthen the voice of farmers' seeking setting up of Cauvery Management Board.
His appeal comes days after pro-Tamil outfits opposed holding IPL matches,saying it was not needed when farmers were struggling holding protests for the Cauvery Management Board.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar said "if they (IPL organisers) write to us seeking security, we cannot say that we will not provide security."
Apparently pointing to the ambience of continuous agitations over the Cauvery issue in Tamil Nadu, Jayakumar, however, told reporters "the Board (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will realise the situation here in Tamil Nadu and they will decide whether to hold the matches or not."
Dhinakaran in a tweet said, "I appeal to cricket lovers to boycott the IPL matches to strengthen the voice of farmers in the protest to retrieve rights on Cauvery."
DMK Working President M K Stalin said "we are not saying that it (matches) should not be held. The organisers should realise the problems of people and act accordingly."
On April 4, Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi chief and sitting MLA M Thamimun Ansari asked if IPL matches were needed when "farmers are shedding tears and people are yearning for drinking water."
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