Vaiko detained for protest over Rajapaksa's visit

Chennai, Jun 8: Vaiko, the MDMK founder and around 1000 others including the leaders of CPI and VCK were detained for the protests in Tamil Nadu against Sri Lankan President's visit to the nation.

Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa is coming for a three-day visit, during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and others.

The detained include Thol Thirumavalavan (Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi leader), D Pandian (CPI Secretary), and P Nedumaran (Tamil National Movement's leader). The actors Seeman and T Rajender were also among the detainers.

Cadres of Sri Lankan Tamils Movement, formed by several pro-Tamil parties, including MDMK, known for its pro-LTTE stand, and CPI were held when they tried to stage black flag protests near Nageswara Rao Park and proceed towards the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner's office, informed the police.

Vaiko,while addressing the protesters, alleged that thousands of minority Tamil civilians were killed towards the end of the war between the Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE last year. Rajapaksa was responsible for killings of many innocent Tamils, he added.

Around 200 cadres belonging to VCK, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, were arrested after they tried to stage a protest near Memorial Hall.Thirumavalavan alleged Lankan government has not utilised the funds given by India to rehabilitate Tamilians living in Lankan rehabilitation camps.

The cadres led by MLA Velmurugan were also held back near the Collector's office. Nam Tamil Movement people, headed by the actor Seeman were held back near Sastri Bhavan, after they tried to burn the effigy of Rajapaksa.

OneIndia News