Communists, MDMK in protest mode over Lankan issue



(November 25, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Urging the Centre to take immediate action to stop the war in the neighbouring Sri Lanka, the CPI, MDMK and few other political parties today organised a protest demonstration in various parts of the State.

The protestors raised slogans condemning the Centre’s inaction.

At a meeting convened by the CPI last week, it was decided to hold demonstration across Tamilnadu on 25 November to stress the Union government to act swiftly over the Lankan issue. Major parties including the DMK, Congress, AIADMK and DMDK abstained from the meeting.

Today, the protest was presided over by CPI State secretary D Panidan near Chennai Central Railway Station. Sri Lankan MP Sivajilingam, MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai Sathya, Pudhiya Thamizhagam president Dr Krishnaswamy, Tamil Desiya Vidhuthalai Iyyakkam president Thiyagu among others took part.

Speaking on the occasion, Pandian said, ‘the DMK Ministers in the Union Cabinet have not taken any initiative to stress the Centre to act quickly over the issue.’ He expressed hope that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would take immediate action and bringe peace in the lives of lankan Tamils.

Several hundred demonstrators arrested on the occasion were taken to marriage halls nearby.At Chrompet, the demonstration was led by MDMK Kanchipuram district secretary Paalavakam Somu. They tried to lay seige to a post office at the southern suburb. Similar protests were held at Avadi, Kanchipuram, Villupuram and Thiruvannamalai.
- Sri Lanka Guardian