Loyola students arrested for supporting Tamils

March 12, 2013: The Police of Tamil Nadu in South India removed eight students of Chennai Loyola College, who were on a fast-unto-death to draw attention to the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Around 300 policemen arrived at the protest venue in Koyambedu Sunday night and removed the protesting students from the spot.
The students, who had begun their fast on Friday, have been taken to the Royapettah General Hospital in Chennai. The protestors' seven point demands include India government institute an independent probe into the war crimes of Sri Lankan army.

Around 200 supporters of the students were detained in a community hall near the protest venue.
Earlier in the day, the protesting students gave a hostile reception to a former state Congress chief when he went there. The students said it was their struggle and would not allow any political party or Tamil nationalist outfit to influence them.

"We are protesting to press our seven-point charter of demands including a proactive role by the central government for an independent probe into the alleged war crimes by the Sri Lankan army and slapping of economic sanctions on Sri Lanka," said Joe Britto, one of the protestors.

The college administration has arranged a medical team to check the health condition of the students on fast.
Three senior college staff have been present at the venue to ensure a peaceful protest.

Meanwhile, the state unit of All India Students Federation owing allegiance to Communist Party of India has extended its support and announced that its members will boycott classes on Monday.