Leaders of Opposition parties, including MDMK general secretary Vaiko, CPI leader R. Nallakannu, Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalvan, PMK whip T. Velmurugan and hundreds of cadre were arrested on Tuesday when they held protests against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India.
Mr. Vaiko, along with Mr. Nallakannu, CPI assistant secretary C. Mahendran and Tamil Nationalist Movement leader P. Nedumaran, was arrested near Nageswara Rao Park when they were proceeding towards the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Alwarpet to hold the protest. Mr. Thirumavalavan, who led the agitation near the Memorial Hall, alleged that the Sri Lankan government had not come out with a permanent solution for resettlement of Tamils, even after the end of the war a year ago.
“They have been languishing in camps without any basic amenities,” he said. Police arrested him and others because the demonstration was held without obtaining permission.
Mr. Velmurugan along with his partymen held a demonstration in front of the District Collectorate.
They were arrested for burning an effigy of Mr. Rajapaksa.
All were released in the evening.
