Salem, Feb. 13 -- Entry Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been changed and significantly tightened for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's election campaign meeting in Salem on Friday, following last year's Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives.

As a precautionary measure, identity cards of party members and functionaries are being strictly verified at the venue. The rally, scheduled at KVP Garden in Seelanaickenpatti between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, has been restricted to 4,998 individuals in line with police guidelines. Only those issued QR code-embedded entry passes are being allowed inside, with no exceptions.

Heavy police deployment, vehicle checks at key entry points, and traffic diversions have been enforced ...