Vaiko, 700 supporters arrested for protesting Rajapaksa visit
September 21, 2012 12:38 pm
They are being taken to Sansur, Indian media reported. Vaiko, with around 1000 protesters was en route to Sanchi, protesting the visit of Rajapakse.
Vaiko had called for a black flag demonstration in Sanchi against Rajapaksa for the alleged violation of rights of ethnic Tamils in the country during its war against the Liberation Tigers of Talim Eelam (LTTE).
A supporter of Vaiko called for a war crimes trial against Rajapaksa for the alleged brutalities against the Tamils residing in Sri Lanka. “We want Rajapaksa tried for war crimes against Tamils.” He added, “We are here voluntarily. The police hasn’t detained us. They are here for our protection.”
The MDMK supporters were reportedly detained by the police in Chhindwara. Many were questioned and reportedly sent back to Bhopal.
Rajapaksa lands at Sanchi
President Rajapaksa will land in the Madhya Pradesh capital on Friday to lay the foundation stone of Buddhist and Indic Studies University at Sanchi near Bhopal amid looming threat of protest by Tamilian party MDMK and enhanced security arrangements.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav and the Chief
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will receive Rajapaksa at the Raja Bhoj airport
in the morning, official sources said.
From there, the Srilankan President will fly in a helicopter to Sanchi, around
45 km from here, where the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and
Madhya Pradesh Culture and Public Relations Minister Laxmikant Sharma will
receive him.
Sanchi falls under the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency represented by Swaraj.
According to sources, before laying the foundation stone for the Buddhist University,
the President will visit Holy Relics and Sanchi Stupa and also took part in a
public meeting.
Rajapaksa will also visit Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka at Sanchi before
leaving for Delhi via Bhopal.
Elaborate security arrangements are put in place for the Srilankan President’s
visit in view of the protest by the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(MDMK).
Borders of Sanchi town have been sealed and trains that have scheduled stoppage
at Sanchi will not stop there as part of the security measure.
Pro-Eelam supporters arrested
Members of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Naam Tamizhar Katchi created tense moments for the police by managing to breach tight security and assembling on the railway track at Tiruchi junction to picket trains in protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President.
Due to the presence of the City Police Commissioner, Shailesh Kumar Yadav, other senior officials and a huge posse of police personnel at the entrance of the railway junction, the demonstrators had reportedly entered in the guise of passengers, and regrouped upon entry.
Members of Periyar Thathuva Maiyam, Adhi Tamizhar Peravai and other pro-Eelam organisations staged their protests at Srirangam railway station where they arrived by the Lalgudi passenger train in the guise of commuters.
A group of students of Tiruchi Law College also attempted to set fire to an effigy of the Indian Prime Minister for inviting Mr.Rajapaksa.
In all, over 150 persons who protested against the Sri Lankan President’s visit were arrested, sources said.
Pudhiya Tamizhagam members staged a demonstration in front of the district collectorate.
(Agencies)
