Hundreds of protestors gathered in Chennai to call upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, urging him not to visit the island whilst oppression continues in the Tamil homeland.

Protestors from the 'Ilanthamizhagam Iyakkam’, ‘Dravidar Viduthalai iyakkam’ and 'Tamil Nadu Students Movement' attended the protest, held last weekend.

“The new regime led by Maithripala Sirisena is determined to follow the steps of (former president) Rajapaksa in denying justice to Tamils and continuing the military oppression, occupation of Tamil land and retaining political prisoners in undisclosed camps in the North and Eastern part of Sri Lanka, the Tamils homeland,” said Elangovan, a spokesperson for 'Ilanthamizhagam Iyakkam’.

“We undoubtedly accuse that the proposed visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as yet another step to bury the voices that have sought justice for genocide,” he added. “This visit is more for bilateral military and business pacts to strengthen the relation between India and Sri Lanka and not for justice.”

“To seek justice for the genocide victims, the Indian prime minster must boycott Sri Lanka and cancel his proposed visit to Colombo on March 13,” continued Mr Elangovan. “The Indian government must recognize the Northern provincial council and pass a resolution condemning the genocide in Indian Parliament.”