Students get back home in Ranchi from Tamil Nadu to escape turmoil

Ranchi, Feb 6 (ANI): Hundreds of students studying in Tamil Nadu got back home in Ranchi to escape the present turmoil in the state over the Sri Lankan Army action against the LTTE.

The students were asked to vacate their hostels to avoid getting into untoward situations.

"Due to the disturbed situation in Sri Lanka, a strike has been going on in Tamil Nadu. We were asked to leave. The government came up with a notice that all universities should be closed and all hostels be vacated. So our dean and warden immediately asked us to vacate. So, we left the place," said Vikram Rana, a student.

A strike was called on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu protesting Sri Lanka's military offensive against Tamil Tigers.

Around 60 million Indians in Tamil Nadu have strong historical and cultural ties with Tamils in Sri Lanka. They have been protesting the Sri Lankan Government's offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Buses were run with police protection, and security was tightened at government offices after a man killed himself last week by setting himself on fire outside a government office.

About 500 people were arrested across the state for throwing stones at buses and blocking traffic, a police official said.

However, the pro-Tamil Tigers coalition maintained that the strike was successful. (ANI)