Shia Muslims’ attempt to lay siege to US consulate thwarted

Chennai: Tension prevailed in the city on Sunday afternoon after members of the Tamil Nadu Shia Muslim Jamath and a few political party leaders, including VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, attempted to march towards and lay siege to the US Consulate in Anna Salai, demanding that the US halt its attacks on Iran.Police detained 200 protesters and housed them in community halls. Traffic from Royapettah govt hospital along Peters Road was temporarily suspended due to the protest. The demonstration was organised condemning the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and urging an end to the war. They marched from Royapettah hospital to New College, raising slogans against the US and Israel.
In addition to the regular security arrangements, more than 250 police personnel were stationed around the US consulate in view of the protest.Addressing reporters during the march, Thirumavalavan said a large number of Tamils work in Gulf and that India should not remain silent on the issue. He said the US and Israel were paving the way for a global conflict.Later, while speaking at the protest gathering, he announced that the CPI, CPM, and VCK would organize statewide demonstrations on March 3 in Chennai and other major cities of Tamil Nadu to condemn the US action. Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai leader Thaniyarasu, Mukkulathor Pulipadai party leader Karunas, and Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi leader Tamimun Ansari also took part in the protest.