TN announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for Muthukumaran's family

The Tamil Nadu government announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for kin of K Muthukumaran, who committed suicide to express solidarity with the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Local administration minister MK Stalin made the announcement in the state Assembly, but said a "democratic society cannot accept" such incidents. Though people can express their views and sentiments, they must "refrain" from resorting to such steps, he said.

Meanwhile, the body of Muthukumaran, who set himself on fire on Thursday, was kept at his Kolathur residence for the public to pay their last homage.

MDMK leader Vaiko, who was present to pay homage to Muthukumaran, said THE LTTE had condoled Muthukumaran's death.     

Vaiko claimed that LTTE's spokesperson Natesan spoke to him and informed that the outfit mourned the death.

Meanwhile, some advocates of the Madras High Court burnt copies of Tamil and English newspapers carrying photographs of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rajapakse in the High Court premises here.

However, no arrests were made, police said adding that the protesters criticised the Centre for not ensuring a ceasefire in the northern parts of Sri Lanka. Police said more than 25 students of the Salem Law College were arrested here when they tried to picket the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission located in the city.