TAMIL NADU LTTE EXTREMISTS HAD ASSAULTED A BUDDHIST MONK FROM SRI LANKA AND HAD CHASED HIM AWAY

As a result of assaulting a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who had been to a devala in Tamil Nadu for purposes of educational-work was unexpectedly assaulted and subsequently 15 South Indian Tiger extremists have been taken into police custody. The monk who had come under assault was Pathberiye Gnanaloka Thero who had been to New Delhi and is presently following a post-graduate degree in Archaeology.
    It is for the purpose of collecting Archaeology data that a group of 19 students engaged in these studies had been escorted by the Thero who himself had been undergoing studies in New Delhi for the past one and a half years had visited Brhadeeshwara Maha Devala in Tanjoor, Tamil Nadu.                                                                                                             Though certain angry elements are noted against Sri Lanka all over South India at present with Geneva Talks underway and the atmosphere is not conducive, it cannot be assumed that the Thero had anticipated being involved in an unmeaningful conflict such as this.
    It is reported that Gnanaloka Thero had been in the company of 19 students from Thailand, China and North India engaged in post-graduate studies and had been conducting Archaeological research-work in the Devala when a gang of Tigers had barged in and after inquiring who the visitors from Sri Lanka are had then approached the Thero who was subsequently assaulted. Others who were at the scene of the incident had tried to stop the chaos in vain and therefore summoned the Tanjoor police. The police who had arrived on the scene had escorted the Thero and the group of students safely. However, the terrorists had resorted to aiming stones at the vehicles transporting the Thero. But there had been no casualties.
    Later, the Thero had been taken to Trichinopoly Airport and the police had provided facilities necessary for travelling.
    15 suspects had been arrested by Tanjoor police on allegations of obstruction and harassment.
    Gnanaloka Thero is attached to the Archaeology Survey Institute in India which is affiliated to the University of New Delhi. According to police sources, it is believed that this incident is an outcome of anti-Sri Lankan protests already widespread over Tamil Nadu. This incident had been given wide coverage in Indian newspapers and websites.
    It is said that among those in custody, there are persons belonging to the organisation of Wyco Gopalaswami, a well-noted and strong anti-Sri Lankan protestor. The police has also come to know that this attack hadtaken place for political reasons.
    Hindu devotees who had been at the Devala at the time and the incumbent of the Devala have expressed their utter dissatisfaction over the incident.  




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