CHENNAI: Political parties and journalist bodies on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on media persons and workers belonging to various outfits in Tamil Nadu by the Andhra Pradesh police during the visit of Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa to Tirupati.
Pointing out that journalists were allowed to gather news even on battle fields, PMK leader S Ramadoss demanded action on police officials involved in the attack. DMDK leader Vijayakant said preventing media persons from discharging their duties was against democracy, while MDMK leader Vaiko demanded disciplinary action by Andhra Pradesh government on the police officials involved in the assault.
TNCC president EVKS Elangovan said the assault was against democratic values and uncivilised. TMC leader GK Vasan said democracy could be protected only if media persons were allowed to function freely without fear. CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan said it was an attack on freedom of expression.
Naam Thamizhar leader P Seeman, Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader Jawahirullah also condemned the attack.
Act Tough on sl, Says ramadoss
Chennai: PMK founder S Ramadoss on Wednesday urged the Union government to act tough against the Sri Lankan government as its navy had arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen despite the Centre according a reception to the island president Mahinda Rajapaksa in Tirupati. In a statement here, Ramadoss said that the Centre should take steps to release all the Tamil Nadu fishermen languishing in Lankan prisons and retrieve the seized boats.