A Tamil Nadu fisherman who self-immolated himself in protest at the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka has died. Mani, originally from Cuddalore, poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze outside the District Collector's office.
Speaking to reporters, Mani drew attention to the resolution being brought on Sri Lank at the UN Human Rights Council and said:
"In Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa has killed Tamils. Tamils should win at the United Nations. Eelam should happen. It's martyrdom for me".
According to officials, he had previously been raising awareness about government taking tsunami funds, stating it was a "huge scam in the Tsunami Housing Project".
"The government swindled all the tsunami funds," he said.
"In my hometown Cuddalore too, there is huge corruption in construction. I struggled democratically for five years but could do nothing. I protested in democratic way. I took it to court but there too officials cheated. My wife and children are nice people. It's an honour to be the first person to die fighting corruption."