Tamil Nadu film industry vows support to Eelam Tamils

Bringing the entire Tamil film industry in Tamil Nadu state to a standstill, more than two thousand artists converged at the southern tip of Rameswaram, which is situated in the close proximity to the island of Sri Lanka, expressing their support for Eelam Tamils struggle.

The protest demanded that the Sri Lankan military should be pressurised by New Delhi to halt their military offensives.

The move is regarded as a significant step in the public awakening in Tamil Nadu, the most urbanised state with 66 million Tamils after 25 years when cinema industry in Tamil Nadu last converged in support of Eelam Tamils, after the Black July anti-Tamil pogrom in Sri Lanka.

Led by director veteran Director Bharatiraaja and Tamil film council producers president Rama Narayanan, they took out a rally from the Agnitheertha Kadarkarai to Kilakadu ground near the bus stand. Members of about 25 associations of the industry took part in the rally that went along the important roads of the island town amid tight security.

Wearing black shirts, black badges, the protesters shouted slogans against the Sri Lankan government for waging a war against the Tamils. Many carried placards and banners highlighting the suffering and agony of Tamils in the island nation. A few placards urged Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to respect “human rights” and international conventions to be followed to protect citizens.

The film personalities had arrived in Ramesawaram on Saturday by a special train from Chennai. People lined up along the road to the venue of the demonstration to welcome the film stars.

On Sunday, the rally commenced after prayers were offered at the famous Ramanathaswamy temple in the town for the well being of Sri Lankan Tamils.

Speakers at the rally urged the Centre to take immediate steps to stop the alleged 'massacre' of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Veteran film director Bharathirajaa, who led the protest while addressing the artists said while the entire world was set to listen to the voice of the cine artistes of South India, he fervently hoped that their voice would be heard in New Delhi.

Popular poet and lyricist Vairamuthu who addressed the gathering in Rameswaram, pointing at the direction of Mannaar, said Tamils in Sri Lanka were "indigenous people with all the rights to the island." He referred to ancient Tamil literature which spoke of pre-historic and historic Tsunamis.

"On the 22nd of this month, you [India] are going to launch a rocket to the Moon located 3,85,000 km from the Earth. But, why can't you care for Eezham Tamils who are just 16 km away," Mr.Vyramuthu questioned the Indian establishment in New Delhi.

Director S.A. Chandrasekaran justified the choice of Rameswaram for the protest, saying this was the right place to agitate against the Sri Lankan government as it was very close to the island nation. Reports said there were differences in the film fraternity over holding the place.

Director K.S. Ravi Kumar said the United Nations should intervene in the Sri Lankan affairs to save Tamils, who had become refugees in their own country.

Ravikumar also warned that if the war against Tamils is not brought to an end immediately, it would be the deciding factor of the next parliamentary elections.

Director Amir charged that the Central government was also one of the reasons for the current problem in Sri Lanka. He criticised it for secretly supplying radars to the island nation and providing training to its Army personnel.

Actor Mansoor Ali Khan referring to the reports of a possible visit by Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Sri Lanka in the near future said that Mr. Mukherjee need not to travel to Sri Lanka to pass a stern warning to Rajapaksa regime and urged New Delhi to send a Tamil speaking envoy instead.

"All Tamils throughout the globe must unite for the creation of Tamil Eelam," he said.

Actor Livingston staged an emotional prayer service.

Prominent personalities including Directors Balachandar, Seran , Parthibhan, Rama Nararayanan, K.S.Ravikumar, President of Tamil Film Producers Union, S.A.Chandrasekar, Amir, T.Rajenthar, President of All India Ilatchiya Diravida Munetra Kazhagam, actors Pandiyarajan, Livingston and presidents of various unions of Tamil Nadu film industry participated in the protest rally and spoke.

Bharathirajaa, who spoke to reporters later, said the rally was an opportunity for the film fraternity to express their solidarity with the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The coming together of the industry would attract everyone's attention, he said, adding that they were confident that a solution would soon be found.

"Those who have sympathy for the Tamils have gathered for the rally," he said.

Actors are also expected to hold a fast to express their solidarity with the civilians who suffer due to the military offensive by the Sri Lankan forces.

Actor Sarath Kumar, who is the president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association, said that top actors and actresses would stage a fast at Chennai on November 1 on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.