Tamil Nadu: Protests continue against PM's participation in CHOGM

Chennai: Student bodies in Chennai are on a hunger strike for two days now, protesting the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's participation in the CHOGM. The indication from the MEA that all security and other preparations had been made for the Prime Minister to attend the Commonwealth had been made sparked another row of protests in Tamil Nadu. Pro-Tamil groups across the state attempted to disrupt normalcy in many states.

The first few attacks were on post offices in Mylapore and Mandaveli in Chennai. A burning gunny bag was also thrown at the Income tax department office in Salem. All these acts were carried out by the Dravidar Vidhuthalai Kazhagam, headed by Kolathur Mani. Mani has been arrested for the Salem attacks while have been others were booked under NSA for the Chennai post office attacks. The Vidhuthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi also held many demonstrations including rail rokos and burning of effigies. Around 45 people have been arrested during these protests.

While the major parties in Chennai like DMK, AIADMK, DMDK etc did not hold any formal demonstrations, they called upon the PM to boycott his visit and even cited the assembly resolution passed by the state calling for a temporary suspension of Sri Lanka from the commonwealth.

Meawnhile, local Congress leaders have agreed with the Centre's stand on the visit. Senior party leaders from Tamil Nadu including GK Vasan, P Chidambaram and Jayanthi Natarajan have requested the Prime Minister to not visit Colombo. But M Natarajan of the World Tamil Federation believes all this is mere posturing and vote bank politics ahead of the bypolls and the 2014 elections. The federation is expected to inaugurate a memorial for the victims of Mullivaikal hospital bombings in Sri Lanka, at Thanjavur on November 8. The event being held just before the Commonwealth meet is expected to see strong protests.

The Tamil Nadu DGP office has sent out an informal alert to all district police officials to keep an eye out for any law and order problems. The DGP office has asked police officials to take necessary precautionary measures and also to take adequate measures to curb protests.