Vaiko, 1000 others detained for protest over Lanka President’s visit to India

CHENNAI: MDMK founder Vaiko and leaders of CPI and VCK were detained today when they attempted to stage demonstrations at different places here to protest Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to the country.

Rajapaksa is scheduled to arrive in India today on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and others.

Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan, CPI State Secretary D. Pandian, Tamil Nationals Movement leader P. Nedumaran and actors Seeman and T. Rajender were among those detained.

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, police said.

Vaiko, who addressed 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.

He also alleged that Rajapaksa was responsible for killings of many innocent Tamils and demanded that he be tried in an international court of law.

More than 200 cadres belonging to VCK, headed by Thol Thirumavalvan, were detained as they tried to stage a protest near Memorial Hall.

Thirumavalavan alleged that the Sri Lankan government has not utilised the funds given by Indiato rehabilitate Tamils living in rehabilitation camps in that nation.

About 100 PMK cadres, headed by Velmurugan, MLA, were also detained near the Collector´s office. Eighty Nam Tamil Movement activists led by actor Seeman were picked up when they tried to burn an effigy of Rajapaksa near Sastri Bhavan. – (Times of India)