Peace rally in Coimbatore over Sri Lankan issue

Coimbatore, Mar 2 (ANI): Over three thousand people participated in a silent peace rally here on Sunday to express solidarity towards the victims of Sri Lanka's civil war with the Tamil Tigers.

Roman Catholic Christians took part in the silent rally holding placards reading 'stop war in Sri Lanka' and urged the Indian Government's intervention in solving the issue.

Thomas Aquainus, a Roman Catholic Bishop, said that the silent procession is organised to pay condolence to the innocent people who have been killed in the island nation.

"The war should be stopped and killing of the innocent people should be stopped at once. We are showing our feeling through silent procession. War is not the solution to any peace settlement. They should come together and have a dialogue and settle out their problems," said Aquainus.

After the rally, a special mass was also organised in a Coimbatore church to offer prayers for peace in the island nation.

Government of India is under pressure to protect Tamils, a sensitive issue ahead of the forthcoming general elections. (ANI)