Pro-LTTE leaders condole death of Prabhakaran''s mother

Chennai, Feb 20 (PTI) Pro-LTTE political leaders in TamilNadu, including Vaiko, today condoled the death of slain LTTEfounder V Prabhakaran''s mother, Parvathi Pillai, saying herdeath had "shocked" the Tamil community.

MDMK leader Vaiko said the Sri Lankan Tamils ProtectionMovement, which includes CPI and Tamil Nationalist Movement,would hold a memorial service in Chennai tomorrow and saidsimilar initiatives should be held across the state.

He recalled that she had accompanied her late husband,Thiruvengadam Velupillai, for his (Vaiko''s) son''s marriage in1997 and named a grandson after their son, Prabhakaran.

Vaiko, who has frequently charged India with "lettingdown" Sri Lankan Tamils during the war in the island nationbetween LTTE and Army, recalled an episode in 2010 in whichshe was deported to Malaysia after arriving at Chennai formedical treatment.

"This was an unpardonable act and Chief Minister MKarunanidhi and the Centre should be held responsible forthis," he said in a statement here.

Another vocal LTTE supporter, Viduthalai ChiruthigalKatchi (VCK) founder Thol.Thirumalavan, MP, will participatein the last rites of Pillai at Valvettithurai in Sri Lanka onFebruary 22.

"Her death is shocking. She lived her last days withoutany near and dear ones by her side," he said in a statementhere.

VCK party flags will fly half-mast for three days as amark of respect for the deceased, Thirumavalavan, whose partyis an ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, he said.

PMK founder S Ramadoss also condoled the death of Pillaiand said it has shocked the Tamil community.

Parvathi Pillai (81) died of multiple ailments, includingdiabetes and heart problem at a hospital in northern Jaffnathis morning.

Though survived by three children - two married daughterseach in Toronto and Chennai and a son in Denmark, they werenot ready to visit Sri Lanka but had been helping herfinancially during her last days.