Political parties organised different forms of protests in India on Thursday condemning Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

Heeding to the call given by the party’s high command, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) members observed “black day” on Thursday and wore black shirts to protest against President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the alleged genocide of Sri Lankan Tamils.

Led by the DMK district secretary, K.N. Nehru, the party functionaries distributed pamphlets to the public in front of the Kalaignar Arivalayam. A black flag was hoisted atop the Arivayalam building.

A group of 32 Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) functionaries were arrested after they attempted to stage a rail roko at Tiruchi Junction.

Wearing black shirts, the VCK members took out a march towards Tiruchi Junction when they were arrested by the police. Cadre of the Puthiya Tamizhagam staged a demonstration near Chinthamani condemning Mahinda Rajapaksa. (The Hindu)