The Hindu : Front Page : Tight security for Muthukumar’s funeral

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Tight security for Muthukumar’s funeral

Special Correspondent

Colleges across State to remain closed until further orders

CHENNAI: Amid tight security arrangements, the body of Muthukumar, 26, who committed suicide in protest against the massacre of Tamils in Sri Lanka on Thursday was taken to the Moolakothalam burial ground here for cremation late on Saturday night.

Hundreds of youths belonging to various colleges, Tamil organisations and the Radical Students’ Youth Federation took part in the funeral procession that started from Kolathur and took more than four hours to reach the burial ground. They raised slogans, eulogising the sacrifice of Muthukumar and condemned the Centre for extending support to Sri Lankan armed forces.

A large contingent of police, led by Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) A.K. Viswanathan, was deployed along the route.

General strike

The ‘Sri Lankan Tamils Protection Movement’ has called a general strike on February 4 as part of its efforts at stopping the war.

The announcement came after a meeting in which Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko, Tamizhar Desiya Iyakkam leader P. Nedumaran, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol .Tirumavalavan and Tamil Nadu Government Officials Union president G. Sooriyamurthy took part.

The movement also announced financial assistance of Rs.3 lakh to the family of Muthukumar.

All government and private colleges, including hostels, across the State will remain closed until further orders because of student unrest, Chief Secretary K.S. Sripathi stated in a release.

In a related development, 300 prisoners lodged at the Puzhal central prison observed a day’s fast on Saturday, expressing anguish over the killing of innocent Tamils.

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