Tamil Nadu students' indefinite fast enters fifth day

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 January 2009, 12:31 GMT]
An indefinite fast-unto-death demanding immediate ceasefire in Sri Lankai by 12 students of the Chengalpattu Law College entered the fifth day on Monday. "We have two demands before the Indian Union Government: India should intervene and bring about an end to the ongoing genocide, India should stop all military aid to the Sinhalese," the protesting students said. Occurring in the backdrop of continuous student boycotts all over Tamil Nadu, this fast which commenced Thursday has gained enormous emotional significance.



Led by law college student Fidel Thirumurugan, a 14-member team of students are fasting indefinitely. The others are: A. Vijayakumar, Praveen (a) Perarivalan, Pa. Suresh, Ira. Manivel, Ma. Mujibur Rehman, Arasu Rajkumar (a) Arasamudhalvan), Ma.Raajaa, Ka. Muneeskumar, Sa. Naveen, Raja Thuraiyan, Se. Arumuga Nayyanar, Ma. Kempu Kumar, and Ka.Murthi. On the third day of the fasting, two of these students, Kempu Kumar and Arumuganayyanar were hospitalized after they fainted, and they were forced to give up their fast.

Important leaders, activists and film personalities such as Actor Satyraj have extended support to the students and continue to call on the students everyday.

Meanwhile, the Police made desperate attempts to arrest the students Saturday night. However, their efforts proved futile when VCK cadres, who have been present at the venue since the fasts commenced, intervened. The police personnel have been threatening the fasting students and coercing them to reconsider their decision.

Fidel Thirumurgan, the team-leader has said that "he will not withdraw the fast under any circumstance. "

Chronology:


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