The Hindu : Front Page : Thirumavalavan calls off fast

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Monday, Jan 19, 2009
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Thirumavalavan calls off fast

B. Kolappan

Accepts Ramadoss’ suggestion for indefinite bandh till ceasefire is announced

— Photo:Special Arrangement

SOFT TARGET: A bus from Puducherry to Chennai that was damaged near Tindivanam on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan called off his fast, accepting PMK leader S.Ramadoss’ suggestion for “an indefinite bandh till a ceasefire is announced in Sri Lanka,” even as over a 100 VCK cadres were held across the State for damaging buses. Nine of them have been booked under the National Security Act for burning buses. Mr.Thirumavalavan began his protest on January 15.

Dr. Ramadoss, who met Mr. Thirumavalavan at the fasting venue, said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi could organise an all-party meeting in a common venue to discuss the suggestion.

“Since the Chief Minister asked us to come out with a proposal, I am placing it before his consideration,” Dr. Ramadoss told The Hindu. The PMK leader said the protest should bring the State to a standstill. “Barring the movement of ambulances and milk supply, no other activity should be allowed. It should go on till the Indian government intervenes and ensures a ceasefire in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said his objective was not to embarrass the State government or the Chief Minister. “My protest seemed to have no effect on the Indian government. My party will not have any truck with the Congress in the future,” he declared.Earlier, the meeting of the VCK office-bearers urged Mr. Thirumavalavan to give up his protest in view of his deteriorating health condition.

CPI(M) State secretary N. Varadarajan also called on Mr Thirumavalavan and explained to him that his party was for stopping the war.

“The Central government should speed up the diplomatic efforts to find a solution since innocent people are severely affected in the war,” he said.

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