Vaiko, supporters detained for protests against SL Prez

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Vaiko and his supporters were on Friday detained when they tried to march towards the prime minister's residence in protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the country.

Vaiko and scores of his supporters have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since morning, demanding that India close down the Sri Lankan High Commission in the capital.

"We will not forgive the Manmohan Singh government for supporting Sri Lanka in its war against Tamils," Vaiko said while addressing his supporters.

Later, Vaiko, along with his cadre, tried marching towards the residence of the prime minister in Race Course Road. But they were stopped near the Parliament Street police station.

When Vaiko tried to break the barricade, he was detained.

At the protest, the MDMK cadre shouted slogans against Rajapaksa's visit and burnt his effigy.

The Sri Lankan President, accompanied by his wife Shiranthi Rajpaksa and a 70-member delegation, arrived at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya early on Friday morning for pilgrimage.

He will offer prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala on Saturday.