MDMK activists held for attempting to burn Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's effigy

About 60 MDMK activists, who attempted to burn the effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa protesting his visit to Tirupati, were arrested on Wednesday in Udhagamandalam, police said.

The workers, led by party Urban District secretary, RR Mohankumar, shouted slogans against Rajapaksa and set his effigy ablaze. However, police immediately snatched it and put off the fire.

Meanwhile, media persons staged a demonstration here condemning the alleged assault by police in Tirupati on some journalists from Tamil Nadu, who were covering Rajapaksa's visit, they said. Similar protests were held at Udhagamandalam, organised by the Nilgiris Press Club, police said.