Chennai: The deadly serial blasts in Sri Lanka yesterday morning was condemned by several political parties in Tamilnadu.
AIADMK strongly condemned the blasts and said the merciless act on people who had gathered for prayers brought indescribable grief. The blasts occurred in areas were large population of Tamil Christians were present said the party leaders.
O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami conveyed their condolences. “We pray for the brothers and sisters who were killed and for the early recovery of all those injured,” they had reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Opposition party DMK’s chief M K Stalin issued a statement demanding the Lankan government to take firm and fair steps in this regard. “Justice should expeditiously be rendered to Tamils, other communities and foreigners affected by the blasts in Sri Lanka.” Stalin further alleged that the blasts were to intimidate the Tamils more and aimed at creating permanent fear in the minds of religious minorities. He said that this trend of targeting places of worship like the one in New Zealand’s Christchurch was a big challenge to humanism and that such acts should be thwarted by humanitarian forces.
MDMK chief Vaiko demanded stringent action against the perpetrators. He further noted that places of worship that were bombed, including the Saint Antony’s Church, have large number of Tamils living there.
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar tweeted, “OMG bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, God be with all. I just left Colombo Cinnamongrand hotel and it has been bombed, cant believe this, shocking!”
AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran said the blasts were an outcome of cowardice, and were barbaric and unacceptable. He condoled the deaths.
PMK chief S Ramadoss expressed his concern and said that the blasts occurred on Easter Sunday which commemorated the resurrection of Jesus who preached only love. He further asked the Centre to take steps to bring Indians, including the Tamil people, home as they were now stranded in the island nation.
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury tweeted, “Terrible news. Condolences to the families of the victims. There is no place for mindless violence in society. #SriLanka.”
Meanwhile, CPI Tamilnadu State secretary R Mutharasan wondered whether the President Maithripala Sirisena government “has lost control.”
The deadly attacks were carried out in high-end hotels and churches during Easter services yesterday morning. Suicide bombers were involved in at least two of the eight attacks that struck three churches and luxury hotels. Over 200 people were killed and around 500 others injured in a series of blasts at several locations in the island nation.