Sep 16 (PTI/Agencies): A dawn-to-dusk bandh called by several farmers and traders bodies over the raging Cauvery dispute evoked mixed response across Tamil Nadu with Opposition parties, including the DMK, supporting it.

DMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, oppposition leader Stalin and four DMK MLAs courted arrest in Chennai. MDMK leader Vaiko was arrested in Trichy after he attempted to stage rail roko at Trichy Junction. VCK Leader Thol.Thirumavalavan also detained near Basin Bridge in Chennai.

Shops, commercial establishments and all petrol bunks remained shut in view of the protests. State transport corporation-run buses besides trains are being operated as usual though autos, taxis and commercial freight operators remained off the roads.

As those who had given the bandh call have said a series of protests, including "road and rail roko", will be held, thousands of police personnel have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order.

Police said tight vigil was being maintained and no attempts to mar public peace or disruption of free movement of transportation -- on road or rail -- would be allowed.

The bandh has been called in protest against the violence targeting Tamils in Karnataka and also to seek Cauvery water for the state.

Barring the ruling AIADMK, its allies and trade unions affiliated, all other Opposition parties, including the DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress, DMDK, MDMK, Left parties and the PMK, are supporting the bandh.