Tamil protesters against Rajapaksa visit stopped at Andhra border

Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday prevented several activists from Tamil Nadu, who wanted to stage a protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the temple town of Tirupati, from entering the state.

Nellore: Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday prevented several activists from Tamil Nadu, who wanted to stage a protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the temple town of Tirupati, from entering the state.

Police stopped a convoy of 75 vehicles, carrying over 250 persons including women, on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border near Sullurpet in the district.

The protesters, carrying placards and flags, shouted slogans against Rajapaksa before heading back to Tamil Nadu, said Deputy Superintendent of Police B Srinivas.

Andhra police have tightened security in the border areas. The roads leading Tirupati from Tamil Nadu have been closed.

Rajapaksa arrived in Tirupati by a special flight this afternoon. He is slated to offer prayers at the famous Tirumala temple there early tomorrow morning.

"A full-fledged security arrangement has been made. Rajapaksa is scheduled to fly back to Sri Lanka tomorrow after offering prayers to Lord Balaji," Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravishankar Reddy told PTI.  

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