Tamil film artistes led by veteran director Bharathiraja staged a protest in Chennai on 25th December, demanding CISF protection for the Mullaiperiyar dam, among others. A decision in this regard was taken on Friday.

Bharathiraja, who had organised agitations in the past on the Cauvery and Sri Lankan Tamils issue, said the demonstration was also to demand the arrest of all those involved in the attack of Tamils in Kerala following escalating tensions between the two States.

Stating that the Mullaperiyar dam issue should not be treated as the problem of a few districts such as Theni, Dindigul and Madurai, film maker Bharathiraja had said that writers and film personalities would assemble on the Marina to express solidarity with the campaign for protecting the structure.

Tamil Nadu Film Directors' Association was also planning to hold a fast at Theni district on the matter. Various Tamil film personalities, some political leaders and traders also participated in the protest.