Nirupama’s husband denies reports of attack; 7 nabbed

Thirukumaran Nadesan, the husband of United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentarian Nirupama Rajapaksa denied media reports that he had been attacked by a group of activists in Rameswaram yes- terday.

He said a PRO-LTTE group led by a person called ‘Seaman’ had launched a demonstration during a visit by him to the Rameswaram Temple.

Meanwhile, ‘Hindu Online’ reported that Mr. Nadesan was attacked yesterday in Rameswaram by a group of activists. However, the BBC said that although Tamil nationalist activists had tried to assault Nadesan he had been rescued by the police and been moved to safety. It further said; “Nirupama Rajapakse, a niece of Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse, and her husband Thirukumaran Nadesan had offered prayers at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram isalnd Monday without much of a problem.

“Meantime word had spread, and when Nadesan was participating in some ritual organized at the residence of a priest, activists of Marumalarchi

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Nam Tamzhar Iyakkam, surrounded the house and raised slogans against President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Sri Lankan government.

“Even as Nadesan emerged, the activists waving black flags pounced on him with poles and footwear. However, before more damage could occur, he was pulled inside by the priest and others. A few minutes later police arrived on the scene and escorted Nadesan to safety. “The local police authorities were reluctant to comment, but according to reports, seven of the activists have since been arrested.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Commissioner Vadivel Krishnamurthy regretted the incident but said the couple was not harmed. He also added they were on their way back to Sri Lanka.

“Rameswaram is a temple town on the eastern coast of India, and fishermen from there complain repeatedly of attacks by the Sri Lankan navy in the environs of Kacha Theevu in the Palk Strait, separating India and Sri Lanka.”