Congress functionary Sirkazhi (Cheerkaazhi) Ravichandran, a 47-year-old father of two children, immolated himself on Saturday, February 7, to protest his party's inaction on the Eelam Tamils issue.
He succumbed to hundred percent burn injuries and died a short while later at 3:45 p.m.
Two days earlier, he had an altercation with the Union Minister Mani Shanker Aiyar blaming the Congress party for failing to stop the war in Sri Lanka. He had also told a couple of his friends about his decision in order to bring about a change in the attitude of the Congress.
The Congress worker told the police in his dying declaration that he was unhappy with his party’s stand over the Eelam Tamils issue.
In his affidavit to the Mayilaaduthu'rai magistrate, Ravichandran has stated that he was traumatized by the sorrow undergone by Eezham Tamils. "I feel extremely depressed that my party people have not come forward to help the Eezham Tamils who suffer so much. A ceasefire is an urgent requirement in Sri Lanka. Tamils should not be killed," he said.
He also pointed out, "India can stop the war. But I am very distressed that India has not come forward to initiate any steps in this regard." On his death bed, Ravichandran dedicated his life to the Eelam Tamils.
He also pointed out, "India can stop the war. But I am very distressed that India has not come forward to initiate any steps in this regard." On his death bed, Ravichandran dedicated his life to the Eelam Tamils.
The incident sparked off protests and counter protests, especially in Chennai, where Congress workers blocked traffic.
In Madurai, the home-cum-office of Congress MP Sudarsana Nachiappan was attacked and the party flag brought down.
Tension prevailed at the hospital in Nagapattinam when the Congress workers clashed with the activists of the recently floated Sri Lankan Tamils Protection Movement, comprising of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Communist Party of India and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi appealed for calm and said everyone should jointly work for alleviation of the Sri Lankan Tamils problems.
Triggered off by Muthukumar, four people have already committed self-immolation in response to the plight of Eelam Tamils in the last few days in Tamil Nadu.
