Indian man attempts self-immolation to protest President’s visit
September 17, 2012 02:12 pm
A 26-year old CITU activist today attempted self-immolation in Salem, Tamil Nadu protesting the proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to India, Indian police said.
Shouting slogans against Rajapakse, Vijayaraj, an unmarried autodriver of Nethimedu, doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire at the old bus stand early this morning, shocking the waiting passengers.
He was rushed to Mohan Kumaramangalam Government hospital here with 95 per cent burns and his condition was stated to be critical, police said.
The man was protesting Rajapakse’s visit to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh this week to lay the foundation stone for an International Buddhist University.
Vaiko has announced that he would lead a black-flag demonstration in Sanchi against the visit of Rajapakse.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has yesterday appealed to Vaiko to give up the protest saying the Sanchi function was completely apolitical, PTI reports.
