Pro-LTTE outfit leader held for defending Rajiv's killing

Leader of a pro-LTTE outift was today arrested on the charge of defending the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi by the Tigers. Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader Kolathur Mani was arrested in Salem for his speech at a public meeting here on February 26, police said.
Addressing the meeting, Mani had reportedly stated that "the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was a right action". This is the second time Mani had been arrested for speaking in support of banned LTTE since December last.
Earlier, Mani, along with film director Seeman and another person, was arrested on December 19 for supporting the LTTE at a meeting in Erode district. Mani was later released on bail.
The state government had recently warned that it would not tolerate criticism of national leaders and burning of their portraits during protests over Sri Lankan Tamil issue. Congress had also been demanding stringent action against pro-LTTE elements for burning effigies and portraits of party leaders over the issue.