Chennai:
A fisherman, who immolated himself in Tamil Nadu raising the cause of Tamils in Sri Lanka, has died. Mani, a native of Cuddalore district attempted to kill himself by pouring petrol outside the District Collector's office. Although he was brought to Chennai for better treatment, he could not be saved.
This tragedy happened on a day pro-Tamil groups organised protests across Tamil Nadu, led by MDMK Chief Vaiko, demanding an international probe against Sri Lanka on war crime charges, besides a referendum and trade embargo on the country.
Soon after he was brought to the hospital in Cuddalore, Mani referred to the US motion against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council or UNHRC and told reporters, "In Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa has killed Tamils. Tamils should win at the United Nations. Eelam should happen. It's martyrdom for me".
Officials say Mani has been trying to draw the attention of authorities over the last few years on what he called as "huge scam in the Tsunami Housing Project". He says, "The government swindled all the tsunami funds."
"In my hometown Cuddalore too, there is huge corruption in construction. I struggled democratically for five years but could do nothing. I protested in democratic way. I took it to court but there too officials cheated. My wife and children are nice people. It's an honour to be the first person to die fighting corruption," he added.
India is yet to make its stand clear at the UNHRC and pressure is mounting on the Centre from Tamil Nadu to vote against Sri Lanka, particularly after British media Channel 4 released pictures suggesting LTTE Chief late Prabhakaran's son could have been executed in custody.
Sri Lanka has rejected these allegations saying the pictures are "morphed'.
On Tuesday, it would be the turn of the DMK to stage protest outside the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai besides hosting a conference in Delhi under the banner of Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation.