Vaiko stages fast on highway as cops block his entry into MP

MDMK chief Vaiko began a sit-in fast on National Highway 69 around 4.30 pm on Thursday, with around 800 of his followers, to protest the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to prevent his convoy from proceeding to Sanchi. Vaiko had departed from Chennai on Tuesday with the intention of holding a black flag protest in Sanchi, against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahind Rajapaksa.

Vaiko’s convoy — 21 buses, an ambulance, a truck with supplies and around a dozen cars — was stopped by Madhya Pradesh police near Pandhurna in Chhindwara district. Police officials requested Vaiko to turn back, and informed him that his convoy would not be allowed to proceed to Sanchi, as he had been denied permission to hold his demonstration.

This prompted Vaiko and his supporters to squat on National Highway 69 in protest. The MDMK chief also asked his followers to start a fast demanding that he be allowed to protest in Sanchi. As darkness fell, the protestors started a candle light vigil.

Vaiko was met at the spot by Chhindwara District Collector Mahesh Chandra Choudhary, who offered to put Vaiko on the phone with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But, Vaiko refused the offer and told the Collector that he wanted the government to allot space for him and his protestors to hold the black flag demonstration in Sanchi.

Highly placed officers in the Madhya Pradesh Police Department told Express that there was no question of allowing the demonstration. “They are sitting there peacefully. There has been no problem, and we don’t think there will be any trouble from them. But Mr Vaiko has given a statement that he will hold a black flag protest in Sanchi. This is not allowed in Madhya Pradesh,” said Madhu Kumar, IG (Jabalpur Range).

“If he goes there, it will create problems. We have not accepted his request for permission to protest, keeping law and order, and security in mind. We have informed him that if he attempts to proceed any further, we will be forced to arrest him,” Kumar added.

Vaiko and his men, however, continued to fast on the side of NH-69. Sources in the party have said even if the Madhya Pradesh police prevented Vaiko from going to Sanchi, MDMK cadre on their way to the town by train would ensure they raise the black flag in front of Rajapakse.