Police said the rally passed off peacefully and was escorted by a strong police contingent, including those from the Central Reserve Police Force, Swift Action Force and Tamil Nadu Special Police.

Elaborate and unprecedented security arrangements had been made to prevent any untoward incident during the Jayanthi celebrations in the wake of recent caste clashes in nearby Ramanathapuram district. The celebrations, being held in several southern districts of the states, commenced yesterday.

The Kazhagam, which is also holding a State-level conference here tomorrow, coinciding with the birth day of Muthuramalinga Thevar, was organising the rally today to enable other Thevar groups hold similar ralliestomorrow.