While the situation remained outwardly calm till around 10 this morning, the ongoing students' protest against the ban on Jallikattu intensified with more people including mothers and children joining the protesters at the VOC Park Ground here on Friday.

The trade and industry extended solidarity by giving a call for a state-wide bandh on the fourth day of the protest. Shops and establishments remained closed, but Government buses including inter-city buses continued to ply, albeit with thin occupancy.

The closure of tea stalls and roadside eateries did not deter the protesters, who continued to move around in jeep, cars, bikes and on foot as well with banners and drums, shouting slogans and drawing the attention of onlookers.

Some girls and elderly men brought in loads of water bottles in the boot of their car and were seen supplying water and biscuits to the protesting students.

Young boys and girls also expressed support to the ongoing stir. They were seen walking around the stadium ground with banners that read “Save the Tamilian culture. We want Jallikattu.”

Though their numbers (school-going children) were relatively small, they were moving around with their mother/ sisters/ relatives, elated more about the festive-like look in and around the Nehru Stadium here.

Lawyers stayed away from work bringing court proceedings to a halt.

Members of a core group which is leading the protest in Coimbatore said they are expecting around 30000 people to join in today.

The venue witnessed the presence of around 25,000 people on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the traffic movement on Avinashi Road, LIC Road and Park Gate junction continued to take a hit as protesters started thronging the venue.

While other parts of the city wore a deserted look due to the bandh call given by the trade and industry, the happening hub of the protest – the VOC Ground is bustling with activity

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