Tamil supporters protest over Sri Lankan issue in Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 1 (ANI): Tamil supporters took to the street on Sunday demanding the intervention of the United Nations (UN) to ensure safety of the Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.

The protesters formed a human chain and marched through the streets of the city.

"The Sri Lankan government has been committing atrocities over the civilians for over 25-30 years now. We want that these atrocities should be stopped immediately. We have organised this protest to draw the attention of the international community. We want the United Nations to intervene to ensure safety of the Tamil civilians," said Selvan, Organiser of Human Chain.

Earlier in the day, Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that the military option would not solve the Lankan issue and implementation of the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution would be a significant step to bring a political solution to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.

Military commanders in Sri Lanka are expected to have a final battle on the narrow strip of land with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Last month, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed safety measures for Tamils trapped in the battle zone.

The visit was also aimed at cooling tensions with Tamil Nadu politicians who are demanding that India broker a ceasefire and save Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's military has encircled the rebel Tigers and is confident it will win a war that has claimed 70,000 lives since 1983. (ANI)