Kalmunaikudi Muslims protest against Athaullah's visit

[TamilNet, Saturday, 15 April 2006, 17:02 GMT]
Several hundred residents of Kalmunaikudi in the east, from 6 p.m. Saturday, held a sit-in-protest in front of the stage erected close to Jumma Mosque for a meeting to be addressed by Mr.A.L.M.Athaullah, Minister and the Leader of the National Congress shouting slogans against his visit to the area. Protestors carried placards asking Mr.Athaullah not to disturb the unity of Kalmunai and the unity of Muslims and Tamils in the area, and also not to obstruct a Muslim becoming mayor of the Kalmunai Municipal Council, which will go to poll on May 20.

Protestors also requested Mr.Athaullah not to cause any obstacle for the development of Kalmunai Ashraff Hospital.

The Special Task Force of Police and Policemen were deployed at the site maintaining law and order, sources said.

None were seen on the stage and none occupied chairs on the stage.

Protestors were seen sitting on the ground in front of the stage expecting Minister Mr.Athaullah. But he did not arrive till 9.30 p.m., sources said.