Approximately 1,000 people participated in a rally in Chennai earlier today, as political parties across the board rallied against the Sri Lankan government, condemning the demolition of the Mullivaikal monument at Jaffna University.
Indian police arrested some 600 people at the protest, including MDMK chief Vaiko, who headed the mass demonstration at Loyola college. Subsequently, when the protestors attempted to march to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission, they were prevented by the police and detained. They were subsequently released in the evening.
Tamil Nadu political parties including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) were all present, urging the Central government to condemn the Sri Lankan government's actions.
TKS Elangovan, spokesperson of DMK, CPI state secretary Mutharsan, VCK spokesperson Vanniarasu and Velmurugan of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi were all present.
Tamil Nadu politicians chanted, "We will not forget, we wil not forgive" and called for the removal of the Sri Lankan High Commission.
Vaiko told India Today, "The Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission is a the symbol of genocide of tamils, therefore we say this symbol should be removed from the capital of Tamil Nadu state, this is the beginning," pointing out that the Sri Lankan government did not expect this response from Tamils. Vaiko also went on to accuse the Central government of "betraying" Eelam Tamils by colluding with the Sri Lankan government.
Placards held by protestors also read: "Sinhala Deputy High Commission Get out of Chennai", asserting that the symbol of the Sri Lankan government should be removed from Chennai.
See video from DT Next, here.
