Lankan Prez visit: Tension in Tirupati; DMK goes black

Tirupati, Feb 8: Tension prevailed in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh where Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to visit during his India tour starting from Friday, Feb 8. Section 144 has been imposed in the town, hence more than four persons are restricted to assemble at the same place.

Meanwhile, DMK and its supremo M Karunanidhi vowed to continue their protest against the Lankan President. A protest march led by party treasurer MK Stalin will be held against Rajapaksa sending a strong message to the Centre Government.

"Central Government should realise at least now that the island government is not keeping its promises after the Sri Lankan President ruled out autonomy for Tamil areas," said the DMK chief.

Showing their rage against Rajapaksa, Karunanidhi was quoted as saying, "Mr Rajapaksa has failed to honour the promise given to India and other global organisations for long on granting political autonomy with the latest announcement which should be condemned."

Speaking about their protest against Rajapaksa, Karunanidhi said that they would hold a black flag protest wearing black.

Reason(s) behind DMK's protest against Rajapaksa:

DMK strongly criticised the Lankan President for ignoring greater political autonomy for Tamils. The party claimed that India should at least "wake up" now and help secure their livelihood and democratic rights.

Sri Lanka has been accused of war crimes and human rights violations during the final phase of war against the Tamil tigers in which around one lakh civilians were reportedly killed.

Mahinda Rajapaksa along with wife

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa along with wife visiting the world heritage Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya on Friday. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also seen.

M Karunanidhi along with members of Tamil Eelam supporters

DMK chief M Karunanidhi along with members of Tamil Eelam supporters organization(TESO), as they put on black outfits during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to India, at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on Friday.

M Karunanidhi with his daughter Kanimozhi MP

DMK chief M Karunanidhi with his daughter Kanimozhi MP during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to India, organised by Tamil Eelam supporters organization(TESO) at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on Friday.

M Karunanidhi along with members of Tamil Eelam supporters

DMK chief M Karunanidhi along with members of Tamil Eelam supporters organization(TESO), as they put on black outfits to express their displeasure during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to India.

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's forthcoming visit to India, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday.

Vaiko Protest Against Rajapaksa

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's forthcoming visit to India.

Vaiko addresses party workers

MDMK leader Vaiko addresses party workers during a protest against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's forthcoming visit to India.

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers burning an effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during a protest against his forthcoming visit to India.

Srilanka flag removed

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers burning an effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during a protest against his forthcoming visit to India.

Srilanka flag removed

MDMK leader Vaiko along with party workers burning an effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during a protest against his forthcoming visit to India.

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