Protests in TN, mayors skip meet

Several activists belonging to pro-LTTE outfits, the PMK, MDMK, Dalit Panthers of India, the Tamils National Movement...

Several activists belonging to pro-LTTE outfits, the PMK, MDMK, Dalit Panthers of India DPI, the Tamils National Movement TNM and Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam today staged demonstrations across Tamil Nadu, protesting against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

While the ruling DMK, opposition AIADMK, Congress and the Left parties refrained from organising any protests, the heads of six cities in Tamil Nadu8212;Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Salem and Tirunelveli8212;belonging to the DMK and Congress, boycotted the Mayor8217;s conference inaugurated by Rajapakse in Dehra Dun. Though the mayors cited different reasons for not participating in the meet, it was clear that they were expressing solidarity with Tamil sentiments.

Meanwhile, in some parts of the state, activists attempted to burn effigies of the Lankan President. The PMK and TNM protesters raised slogans condemning what they termed 8220;genocide8221; against Tamils in Sri Lanka. The DPI took part in a daylong fast, demanding that Rajapakse leave the country. He was accused of pursuing 8220;racist policies8221; against the minority Tamils in his country.

After the arrests of Vaiko and other political leaders under POTA in 2004 for openly backing the LTTE, support for the Tiger rebels had been rather subdued. However, protests against the Lankan government have gained momentum following the killings of several Tamil civilians in airstrikes, artillery shelling and gunfire in north-east Sri Lanka in the past few months.

The pro-LTTE rhetoric too has become more strident after air strikes on a school-cum-refugee camp and hospital in LTTE-held areas killed several civilians, including children. More than 16,000 refugees have reached Indian shores since hostilities restarted between the armed forces and the LTTE in January this year. The recent assassination of pro-LTTE Tamil MP Nadaraja Raviraj, and the closure of a key highway leading to the Jaffna peninsula, have only whipped up pro-LTTE sentiments here.

Giving up his diplomatic posturing of toeing the Centre8217;s stand, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had appealed for a 8220;rethink8221; on the Lanka issue. Following reports of civilian casualties and food shortages in north-east Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too has expressed concern.