Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111756980200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Actor Vijay observes fast

Staff Reporter

To protest killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka

— Photo: R.Ragu

SOLIDARITY: Actor Vijay (Centre) with his father S.A.Chandrasekar (left) and mother Shoba at a fast in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Actor Vijay and hundreds of his fans went on a day-long fast at the State Guest House in the city and other parts of the State on Sunday protesting the killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka, calling for an immediate ceasefire there.

Mr. Vijay urged the central government to intervene and take steps to protect the Tamils. He said that the ethnic strife, which had been on for 25 years must come to an end now.

His father and director S. A. Chandrasekar, mother Shoba and wife Sangeetha also took part in the fast. Actors Mansoor Ali Khan, Sriman and directors Ramana, Perarasu and Jeeva also expressed their solidarity with Mr. Vijay and his fans. The actor had also participated in the fasts organised by the South Indian Artistes Association and Film Employees’ Federation of South India (FEFSI).

Fans from Kancheepuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Karnataka and Puducherry also participated in the fast in the city. Fasts were held in a total of 35 places in the State.