Political parties stage stir to protest SL Prez visit to India

Chennai, Nov 26 (UNI) Political parties in Tamil Nadu, espousing the cause of Eelam Tamils today staged agitations to condemn the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to India.

While Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a constituent of the DMK-led DPA, staged state-wide demonstrations condemning the killing of innocent tamils in the island nation, another ally Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) staged a fast near Valluvar Kottam.

Volunteers of Tamil National Movement (TNM) staged black flag demonstrations in various parts of the state under the banner of Eelam Tamils Supporters Coordination Committee.

The demonstration, led by PMK President G K Mani, MLA, was held in front of the State Guest House. The agitation was to register the party's protest to the visit of the Srilankan President in the wake of killing of innocent people by the Lankan government who had taken refuge in temples, churches and schools in Sencholai and Vaagarai areas.

The fast by DPI was inaugrated by DPI General Secretary Thol Thirumavalavan in which nearly 500 DPI workers particpated.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thirumavalavan demanded immediate reopening of the A9 National Highway connecting Colombo and Jaffna as more than 38,000 Tamils were starving.

TNM leader Mr Nedumaran, who is also the Coordinator of Eelam Tamils Supporters Committee P Nedumaran, staged the black flag demonstration in front of Memorial hall.

He said the demonstration was to condemn the killings of innocent tamils by the Lankan Armed Forces and also to condemn the recent training given to Sri Lankan personnel in Coimbatore.

The Coordination committee also extended its support to the agitations organised by the PMK and DPI.

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