Dalit Panthers block trains in Chennai protesting against killings in Sri Lanka

Chennai, Oct 23 : The activists of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) or Dalit Panthers Party in Chennai on Thursday blocked trains protesting against killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Activists of VCK, an ally of Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK), raised slogans and said that they want to extend their support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and other leaders against the alleged atrocities on Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"The protest has been held against the Central Government to take action in the Sri Lankan issue and so we blocked trains today. If our demands are not met by October 28, our protests will be intensified," said Thol Thirumavalavan, president of VCK.

Thirteen MPs including six ministers of DMK handed their resignation letters to Karunanidhi on October 17 demanding action from the Central Government.

Sri Lanka has vowed to crush the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militarily. It says its troops are two kilometres from the rebel capital of Kilinochchi.

Troops stepped up the offensive against the LTTE rebels fighting for a separate homeland this year and the government says its forces have killed thousands of rebels since January.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has urged Sri Lanka to solve the conflict politically.

ANI