Tension prevails as Pro-Tamil activists try to board Naval boat

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Sep 12 (UNI) Tension prevailed at Rameswaram town, when members of Tamil Eelam Viduthalai Adharavalar Orunginaippu Kuzhu attempted to board a naval boat stationed at Naval Jetty here today to protest against the Centre for not permitting to send food and medicines to Sri Lankan Tamils.

About 150 members of the Committee led by Tamilaga Uzhaikkum Makkal Viduthalai Iyakkam state President Melkiyore assembled at Rameswaram with cartons packed with food materials and medicines.

However, as per the District Administration's order, the fishermen denied boats to the Committee members, who immediately staged a dharna to protest against this.

Meanwhile, some agitators forcibly attempted to board a naval boat stationed at the Naval Jetty, but were resisted by the Indian sailors.

Following this, the police took into custody about 150 members of the Committee.

Security along south eastern coast of Tamil Nadu was also intensified.

Tight round the clock vigil was put in place to thwart the pro-Tamil groups attempt to sail to the Island nation.

It might be recalled that foodgrains and medicines valued at Rs one crore was collected through donations by the Committee, led by pro-LTTE leader P Nedumaran, for despatching them to Sri Lankan Tamils through the International Red Cross (IRC).

But the IRC expressed its inability to carry the boxes to Sri Lanka as the Indian Government did not permit it.

To protest against the Centre's decision, the Committee announced earlier that it would launch a 'March to Lanka' agitation at Rameswaram and Nagapattinam to carry the cargoes in boats to Sri Lanka.

UNI