Vaiko asks MP CM not to invite Lankan Prez for Sanchi function

Chennai, Sept 5: MDMK leader Vaiko today requested Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister

not to invite

President

at Sanchi to participate in the celebrations to mark 2600 years of Buddha's enlightenment.

Alleging that innocent Tamils were massacred during his regime, Vaiko said the people of Tamil Nadu were "terribly shocked" over the announcement made by senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj that, on her invitation, Rajapaksha would participate in the celebrations on Sept 21, he said in a letter to Chouhan.

Vaiko also requested Chouhan to "cancel" Swaraj's invitation to the Sri Lankan President "so that the sanctity of the Buddhist pilgrimage at Sanchi could be preserved." "I do hope that your goodself would understand and appreciate the emotions of Tamil Nadu in this very serious matter and take appropriate action to avoid the arrival of Rajapaksa to Sanchi", he said.

The MDMK leader said his party workers would hold black flag demonstrations at Sanchi against Rajapaksa through peaceful means, in a democratic manner.

PTI