Chennai: All Political parties and various journalists bodies in Tamil Nadu have expressed their shock and strongly condemned the atrocities of Andhra Police towards the Tamil Nadu journalists at the pilgrim town Tirupathi, who went to cover the protest event of various Tamil organisations against the arrival of Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksha, who had been accused of Genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka during the civil war in 2009.
Earlier, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksha visited the Balaji Temple in Thirumala Hills ahead of the Presidential elections in island country where he is seeking his third consecutive term as President. The shrine temple is located near Thirupathi town which happen to be in close proximity to Tamil Nadu.
Subsequently, Various political parties and Tamil organisations urged the Indian government to stop him entering the country and threatened of protesting and displaying black flag against Rajapaksha.
However, Andhra Pradesh police has detained and lathi-charged many protesters to suppress and chase them away. More0ver, they went over board by brutally attacking the Press reporters and News reporters despite having a valid Identity Card.
Members of various journalist organisations staged a demonstration in the city on Wednesday to condemn the attack on journalists by the Andhra Police at Tirupati on Tuesday night. Calling it an inhuman act, senior journalists, who spoke at the protest, sought action against the police who attacked the journalists.
They criticised the Andhra and the Union Governments for providing high security and a red carpet welcome to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha and for beating journalists and lensmen from Tamil Nadu who had gone to cover the event.
The demonstrators also demanded action against the policemen, who attacked journalists and the persons behind the incident. Members of Kovai Pathrikayalargal Sangam, Ulaikum Pathrikayalargal Sangam, Kovai Media Welfare Association and the Tamil Nadu Union of Journalists took part in the protest.
Political parties in the State have also condemned the police action against journalists covering Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to Tirupati.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president E.V.K.S. Elangovan described the attack as uncivilised and against the norms of democracy and demanded action against the police officials responsible for it and compensation for the journalist who suffered in the hands of police.
CPI (M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan said it was an attack on the freedom of press and wanted the Andhra Pradesh government to take appropriate action against the police officials.
The MDMK organised protest in Andhra Pradesh and burnt an effigy of Mr Rajapaksa in Chennai. The party’s deputy general secretary, Mallai Sathya, and others were arrested and later let off.
PMK leader S. Ramadoss demanded stringent action against the police officials who attacked the journalists.
