Stir against anti-Islam film continues in TN

Chennai, Sept 16: Hundreds of Muslims held protests at different places in

against an anti-Islam film that has triggered anti-US protests worldwide even as security for the US Consulate here was beefed up.

Protests were held in Madurai, Rameswaram and Kumbakonam where the participants condemned the film that has triggered violence in many countries and led to the killing of the US ambassador in Libya. A senior police official said security at the US consulate had been strengthened with a 150-member strong special team led by a senior official put in place after the Friday attack and in view of some more parties planning for demonstrations in coming days.

A team led by a Joint Commissioner has been formed and would guard the US Consulate located at the busy Gemini Square on the arterial Anna Salai, which came under stone pelting by activists of Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) on Friday, the official said.

The team would comprise 10 inspectors, equal number of sub-inspectors and over 130 constables, he said.

Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in a release said it is planning to hold a demonstration in front of the Consulate on Monday, while Indian Union Muslim League too had called for a demonstration on September 18.

In Rameswaram, more than 2,000 Muslims took out a rally protesting the controversial film. The protesters, including women, from Pamban, Mandapam and Thangachimadam raised slogans against the film, police said. At the end of the rally, a public meeting was held where local jamath leaders condemned Israel and US for the film, which has sparked anti-US protests worldwide.

In Madurai, members of the TMMK held a street meeting condemning the film, police said. A Kumbakonam report said around 200 members of various Muslim organisations staged a demonstration in the town.

PTI