Date:13/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101351970400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Call to support hartal

Special Correspondent

“Boycotting of
all-party meeting will not serve the interests of the Tamils”

CHENNAI: Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan has called upon students, employees of public and private sectors and all sections of the society to support the hartal announced by Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai on October 17 in support of Sri Lankan Tamils.

“If the students boycott schools and colleges and the employees stay away from work we can draw the attention of the Indian government towards the sufferings of the Tamils in Sri Lanka,” Mr Thirumavalavan said in a statement.

Welcoming the all-party meeting convened by Chief Minster M. Karunanidhi to discuss the issue, he said boycotting the meeting would not serve the interests of the Tamils.

Appeal to Jayalalithaa

He called upon AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa to come forward to raise her voice unitedly with other political parties.