Date:13/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101355470300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Demonstration staged to condemn attack on Tamils in Sri Lanka

Staff Reporter

Cadres arrested while trying to burn the Sri Lankan President in effigy

— Photo: N. Bashkaran

For a cause: Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Party staging a demonstration in Krishnagiri on Sunday.

KRISHNAGIRI: As many as 62 cadres of Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Party were arrested while trying to burn the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in effigy, here on Sunday.

The demonstration was part of the party’s state-wide agitation condemning the attack on Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The cadres staged a demonstration at Five Road junction in Pudupettai.

Mr. R. Kovendan, District Secretary of the Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Party and Deputy Secretaries Mr. V.P. Sitrarasu and S. Asokan led the demonstration.

A team of police led by the Krishnagiri Town Police Inspector Mr. Arulmozhi Arasu prevented them from burning the effigy.

After the demonstration the cadres went to the nearby marriage hall, where they were arrested by the police.

The members demanded that the Central Government should stop the supply of arms to Sri Lankan army, which is on warpath against the Tamils.