• Civilians wade across lagoon to escape war zone

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Councillor Colin Barrow, says "Parliament Square is becoming a no go area for law abiding people who wish to enjoy the pleasures of one of London's great squares".

This is presumably other than the thousands of law-abiding commuters, workers, visitors and tourists (including myself) to pass through Parliament Square every single day with little problem?

This is just a shameful attempt to justify the unjustifiable - stripping away yet more of our basic rights.

- Jo, Oxford, UK

I am a resident of Westminster and also work here, protests are almost a daily occurrence. Although I may not agree with the aims of every cause, providing the protests are non violent I see it as essential that people have the right to protest on the streets. If I found the number of protests too onerous I would move somewhere else, but with parliament based here it comes with the territory. The only way we have had reform in this country has been because of on street protests. I consider it selfish to whine about any inconvenience to myself from being delayed or the cost of policing such events. As a woman i am so grateful to all those protesters that won the right for me to have a vote.
So I am deeply concerned when the leader of Westminster City Council, Colin Barrow and others in power make any attempt to stop our right to protest. You never know when it might be your turn to take to the streets, airport expansion, knife crime crooked MP's whatever, you may find when the time comes people like Barrow has taken away your rights whilst you did nothing.

- Lucy, Westminster

I find this really worrying. Westminster City Council want to be able to decide which protests are permitted in their borough. Whatever happened do democracy and our legal right to protest?

Westminster Council tried to stop a legitimate protest (which the police had approved) against a new motorcycle parking charge that was recently introduced in the borough of Westminster (even though the council had thousands of objections and not one letter of support for the bike parking charge scheme). Westminster is the only council in the UK to charge bikes for motorcycle bay parking (despite the fact they they are the richest council). It's pretty obvious to me that if the council had the chance, they would stop any demonstration against their policies or on their patch as it costs them money to police it.

- Emma, London, UK

May I suggest they all go and protest outside their government offices? We simply cannot poke our noses into anymore disputes round the world. Look at the amount of young soldiers who have died for the freedom of Iraq and I don't think they even like us now. We should clear the protesters and send them home to protest. There are people who need to get through to work each day remember.


Amber in Mitcham

- Amber In Mitcham, Mitcham Surrey

am looking their protest from the histry so am supporting them and wishing them. guys you have to fight for your rights. you have seen the cabable of all these UN countries these guys good at talk but bad in action. actually guys i think this UN is waste of time.

- James, London, England

Londoners, if only you knew the roots of your own liberty, you will not be so ignorant or bigoted to the suffering of those who struggle for theirs. Dwell on the lives and sacrifices of your forefathers that built this nation and there you will see the same yearning for safety, security and peace. It was not an oasis that appeared overnight but merit to the pursuit of virtues that today you realise not its value. Tamils are grieving the loss of their kith and kin, if this has upset your lives of comfort and convenience, then this society is sad to say living in a moral vacuum. Certainly, Michael Martin has no shame after his expenses quandary to implement any law but to question his own moral ground and neither do the elected representatives that are guardians of human rights in word only.

- Edelsinghe, London

guys they have suffered by all ICs and now they protesting front of parliment i could not see any wrong there because sri lanka is a former colony of biritish and biritish taken off tamils rights when they free tamils. now they asking justice and biritish have to take responsibility for all tamils deaths and suffering not to ban them from protesting hope PM understand this.

- James, london. england

No.
To bar will be so a horrendous ingratitude in their hour of need. Like to shed a tear for the Lankan Tamil forefathers who were unsung heroes of the victorious British forces who fought pitched battles in Malaysia, Rangoon, Singapore and Crimea in the World wars where many of them fought in the British cavalry and were afflicted with incurable diseases like TB when their horses got bogged down during numerous occasions in the battle field not unlike a veritable quagmire. Who can blame anyone there for an era they wish to forget.

Mohan Coomaraswamy
Oatlands, Sydney, AUSTRALIA

- Mohan Coomaraswamy, Oatlands, Sydmey, AUSTRALIA

Yes, we can , we will....

- Chayan, Jaffna, TE

Big apologies to my fellow citizens in the Unted Kingdom and rest of the world!

Please understand we Tamil only protesting for the peace in Sri Lanka. All we are asking all internationals is to help us. Send international Media asap to find the real truth and motive behind this war in Sri Lanka just like its being done in Iraq and Afghanistan. Where is the UN on the peace talk? UN most stop talking and starting acting real. Think about all the humans are dying. Why don't we take some responsibility to save them since we are saving many other . Why don't we try and understand the real truth?

- K.Pathmanathan, New Malden

"We are the laughing stock of the civilized world because of both the inside and the outside of parliament".

Martin,

Martin! Far better to be a 'laughing stock' as you put it than let the Government introduce a bill that would just be the thin of the wedge!
Haven't you learned anything from the Bills that have introduced ostensibly to prevent terrorism? These new Bills are then used by the Local Authourities to spy on it's citizens!
Let em laugh, but, I bet they secretly wish they had the same freedoms we enjoy!
Yes, our system has many,many flaws, but, until something better comes along, I'll stick with it!
be careful what you wish for Mrtin, you just might get it!

- Kenneth Hickford, LONDON

AT LEAST WE CAN DO IT THIS PEACEFUL DEMO

- Ambikaivagu Pushparajah, KINGSTON

YES.

- Albert Hall, hove england

We all have the right to protest and speak out. This is not Sri Lanka!

- Shaumia, London, GB

we have seen the protest, we dont care, go away, protest back home

- Peter Woods, Romford

Send the Srilankan army to the Parliment Square to get rid of these devells

- Mary, london

Yes, the protests should be stopped. London's traffic is bad enough and does one consider the businesses and residences in the area, cost of policing, etc.? The Tamils are terrorists and have, over the years, carried out many dastardly acts. If London Tamil residents do not give money to the organisation their homes are vandalised - this is never mentioned.

- Maggi Nixon, London

Isn't this Cyberspace the best place to protest? A road around the Parliament square is a physical location where essential goods & services need to be transported that even cybernauts need to feed on. Shoving children and females to face the front of Danger is a hall mark of Tamillians, whether it be facing the HGV's on the roads of Westminister, Dressed in suicide jackets on the Roads of Colombo or Lining the wall of the human shields in Vanni Jungles.

If the protests and the discussions are done in the cyberspace, rest of humanity can at least ensure that women and childrens lives can be protected.

..... and if the Tamilians could convince us that there is a strong case for Tamil Eelam, who knows..? we could even grant them one in cyberspace..(L O L)

I think the Police have lost all credibility. I think the parliament square need to be now policed by the Immigration Officers, Benefit Investigations Unit, Child Protection Agencies and the Childrens Rights campaigners.
C

- Pol Sambola, london

I meant...NO, NO, a thousand times NO....of course.

- Mike Coventry, Hertford GB

YES, YES, a thousand times YES, we have every right to protest outside Parliament AND number 10 Downing Street.
Don't let this Government or The Home Office use this protest to squash all others. IT IS OUR RIGHT TO PROTEST.

- Mike Coventry, Hertford GB

The diaspora was formed as a result of brutal attacks and killing of the innocent Tamils, when they were in Sri Lanka, and had to escape.

While we are thankful for the countries to make us escape the brutal attacks in our country, we are also concerned at what is happening to the Tamils who are unfortunately caught in the continued attacks on them, by the Sinhala government.

It is also essential for the diaspora to act with minimal disruption and thereby receive their suport - PLEASE be peaceful and less disruptive.

You have made tremendous active participation to make the other nationalities to understand what the Tamils are facing due to corrupt and brutal SL governments.

- Canaga, Perth, Australia

We are the laughing stock of the civilized world because of both the inside and the outside of parliament.

A part of our capital that should be sacred is littered with the dregs of humanity , home grown & foreign.

If the Womens Institute or the U K Independence Party set up rat heaps like Brian Hawe or the supporters of Tamil terrorism, the police would go in with water cannons.

Clean the place up & let foreigners return to their own lands to create trouble


Martin

- Martin, Bracknell England

We hear a lot about the Right to protest from these people - and hooray to that. But what about others' Right to get into Parliament unimpeded and their Right to 'lobby' their Member of Parliament. There has to be a balance, and at the moment it is too skewed in favour of the protestors and treats the private individual unfairly.

- Richard Starr, London

It is getting a bit too much when we ahve every ethnic minory coming to the UK, who bring their prejudices, petty squabbles and wars on to the streets of the UK. They may have legistmate reasons, but why should UK society in general have to put up with other peoples' nonsense.

If they feel so strongly about Sri Lanka, then why don't they go there and take their greviences out with the Sri Lankan government.

- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK

Protest should be peaceful not disruppting other people's lives. leave the roads for trafic.

- Abdullah, London UK

We should obviously ban demonstrations, not just outside parliament but everywhere. We should also get involved with the torture of innocent people, allow arms companies to win business by bribes, have a government that lies to take us into attacks on defenseless countries, be represented by crooks in parliament, have our most important civil liberties removed, be monitored 24 hours a day, have all our communications recorded by the state, enjoy the sight of the police assaulting and killing members of the public, give taxpayers money to millionaire bankers, hand our personal lives over to Hazel Blears and, finally, clean our own moats! Welcome to the future, it's here today.

- Bobby Smith, surrey

protesting - fine. But what we have now are supporters of an internally recognised terror movement which has been defeated, putting children in harm's way (I wonder why child endangerment question hasn't been raised here)and disrupting the free movement of the British public...
This protest should be broken up immediately.

- Maurits, London, UK

Isnt protesting "freedom for speach"?? I think it is wrong not to allow protests outside Parliament, how else are we meant to get our point accross, government do not listen any other way.....Sorry they do not listen at all!! I am proud of the Tamils, at least they are determined to make a stand, most British people give up too soon!

- Turkc, Herts

Trouble is if you have a job to hold down, no chance that you can take time off to protest in Parliament Square.....but if you live on the social no problems. Does that answer the question.

- Lloyd, Glan Conwy

We are not allowed to protest outside OUR Parliament without Parliament's permission? I think they're missing the point a wee bit!

- Richard, Harrow

Sidewalk? Surely its a pavement.

anyway, its good to see a group of people with the passion to protest about something. the rest of us complain about growing violence, knife crime, extremeist views and a so called general failing in morals yet we do nothing about it. Perhaps we should follow their example.

- Ctlondon, London Uk

Protests are banned in Tianenmen Square. Let's not follow that example.

- Ana, hong kong

The British should have forseen resulting ethnic conflicts after independance of Ceylon, and arranged for the minority Tamil areas, to exist as an independant state. After all, they created Pakistan,to give a religious group a home of there own, even if they were for all other purposes,Indian.Britain as the propagators of the democratic way of life and free speech, cannot muzzle those in misery from expressing dissent.However, having made their protest, the Tamils should go home and get on with their lifes,for despite all our protests, the dead shall not come back. We have seen many die in two world wars,and pray that this madness to kill fellow humans will stop.
Andy Lingham.

- Andy Lingham, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Isn't it time that these terrorists -Tamal, Hezbollah, Hamas etc are stopped from disrupting the lives of peaceful people. According to today's BBC news, one of the Tamal Tiger leaders major achievements was the invention of the suicide bomber. So much for peaceful protest!

Do any of these terrorists know what Peace is. There main interest is to destroy Peace and cause the maximum disruption, death and injury.

As a visitor to London, I believe the authorities need to stop these disruptive groups causing chaos or worse. The alternative is for overseas visitors going elsewhere where if you want to demonstrate, you do it where the authorities can control it.

- Mark, Lakewood, NJ USA

Why are the Tamils still carrying on as if Sri Lanka/Ceylon were part of the British Empire? Why should the British people be expected to rectify every injustice in the world?

- Magnus Nielsen, London UK

Agree with John Powers comments above. They seem to have complete disregard for anyone else but themselves. I was particularly repulsed when they decided to have their women and kids in front of the police when asked to move off the road. Despicable behaviour! Plus aren't the LTTE a banned terrorist organisation? Surely these people should be viewed with caution and a security threat to our city.

- Richard De Souza, London, UK

Parliament Square is one place where protests should not be curtailed. Our Gloroius leaders, or rather the stinking mendacious bottom feeders, who inhabit the place, ought to hear the howl of protest, whatever the cause.

- Anon, Purley

What this really means is the Motoring Lobby are getting upset that they cannot Roar through the Area in their 4+ 4s whenever there is a Protest.

The Centre of London is to Nice to be Blocked up with Traffic Constantly. Many Areas should be Pedestrianised Permanently and be made Avaiable for Cyclist and Pedestrians only.
What do the Tourists come to London for apart from the Shopping and Nightlife ,it is certainly not the Horrendous Traffic. They like to Walk or Cycle around in Peace and look at the Art and History and Historic Buildings and take Photo's without a Lorry or a Car in the way.

Bring back Kenneth Livingstone Red Ken at least he was trying to improve things for Cyclists and Pedestrians.

If Boris wants to improve the Carbon Content of London he will have to get Rid of the Pro Motoring Mentality of his. London at the moment is Rated as the most Lethal for Cyclists in Europe.

- John Power, Dublin,Ireland

Everyone is missing the point here. I don't care if they protest of not, but they should be on the pavement, not in the bloody road! If they want people to be sympathetic towards them, the first thing they should do is not keep clogging up the road in Parliament Square and causing total choas throughout the whole of Westminster for people living and working there!

- Sal, London

The British, made this mess,in 1948.Its time, they stand, firm and do the Justice done for the the Tamil people in Sri-Lanka. May be its too, late already, as the Genocide is almost over tomorrow.

- Nitttianandan, Pasadena, CA, USA

Residents and office workers in Westmonster are sick to death of this supposed "Freedom of expression" - what about Freedom of Movement through Parliament Square? This protest has nothing to do with the British people or our government, its just an outbreak of disorder which should be quelled as would happen in any other European country.

The protesters need to make up their minds whether they are British or Sri Lanken and either get on with their lives here or move back to SL and protest there.

Good for Westminster Council for taking action on this, the police are as useless as a damp paper bag, just standing by and letting chaos reign.

- Thomas, London

Well every one have their freedom to protest and I believe if the British Government has done something to stop this War in srilanka then there is no need of Protest in London. We need to blame the Government for taking too long for this protest.
British Government must do something to stop this war in srilankan against Minority Tamil people. So it’s the British government Responsibility save the Tamil people.

As your know this protest is peaceful and this government has done nothing to stop the war, that sway its taking too long. That’s not fair to force out this people protest from the parliament square.

- Dave Kumar, Harrow,UK

The real issue here is that the government and the police are trying to stop what is after all our democratic right to voice our protest (are we not a demochracy?????)and where to do it is of course outside our seat of parliament,as long as it does not get out of hand we should be able to do this,it is what we have fought world wars over,to be able to voice our protest without hinderance.

- Meg,Former Essex Girl, merthyr,south wales

tamils are peace loving,compassionate and very considerate. they continue this protest because they have no other option.tousans
ds of people are getting killed everyday,IC keeping a closed eye on tamil's issue! WHY?.when a bomb dropped on sands of israel, it is a major news for all politicians. when 1300 palastinian dien every country including UN called for ceasefire. but, now, 10,000 innocent tamils killed by the srilankan murderous army, even the UN not prepared to help the tamils by calling for a ceacefire.what the tamils asking for on the square is not the war but ceasefire,peace,to save their people's lives,to bring an end to this atrocities.These tamils have no other options.these are desperate measuresto save lives,they do understand everybody's feeling,even after all these days their plea still not be heeded by PM.every life is precious,isn't it? all PM has to do is call for a ceasefire and stop this slaughter. then, tamils will leave the squre next minute without waiting for the order.

- Gowrie, wembley

dear British people,
if you really want to know what is happening to tamil People in Srilanka please vist the websites below.
you not able to read the what is written there but there is no need for words the pictures will tell all about.it is genocide of Tamils!
www.tamilnet.com
www.puthinam.com
www.tamilwin.com

- Meera, Ilford

Is British government has the power to push the Sri Lankan goverment provide a solution? If yes, it will be cold war against India.

- Desmond, Sharjah, UAE

If any reader is not fully aware what LTTE is and what those red flags with a tiger and two rifles represent please read these articles:
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/jan08/tamil_tigers011008.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_attacks_attributed_to_the_LTTE
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/14044
http://www.spur.asn.au/Choronology_of_LTTE_Tamil_Tiger_Attacks_on_Passanger_Buses_and_Trains.htm
(Please be warned the last two contain some disturbing pictures)

- Ririy, Harrow

No-one outside government was consulted about any "new" restrictions on the right to protest ?
Why does this control-freak Labour shambles keep curtailing liberty ?

- Andy Parks, London, UK

I think the tamils should continue protesting in Westminister because they are making a valid point. Everybody should have humain rights but the Srilankan Tamils have none. They get killed because of who they are. Yesterday around 7000 tamils died and today many were wounded due to several bombs and fires. The English Government have to do something about this which is why the tamils are protesting.

- Ayesha Ragunathan, Harrow

The UK government has a responsibility to protect the Tamil people from the murdering Sinhala Sri Lankan government. It was the British that handed over the Tamil sovereign state to the Sinhalese who are now massacring the Tamils. There will be no Tamil protests on the streets of London the day our motherland is liberated from the occupying Sinhala forces. Instead of evicting the Tamil people from the square, Britain should help the Tamils to evict the Sinhalese forces from their land.

- Sivarasan, UK

u.k.[ united killer ]a g8 member and also a VITO power nation can't control a small island like srilanka to stop genocide of tamils spending time to stop peacefull protest by us we feel shame on U.K.the people of U.K.must teach this government in election

- Gopi, milton keynes

I am a Sinhalese, currently studying in London – To be honest I feel for the Tamil people here in the UK and I can absorb their sufferings. What I can understand from my parents & uncles (working in the army) there is a complete genocide going on in Sri Lanka without any witness and these killings needs to be stopped immediately. I feel the international community has not done enough to put any real pressure on our government which is simply run as a family business. I think the demonstration should carry on until a permanent solution is reached via the UK government.

- Rishi Jeyawardene, Watford, UK

PROTEST NEED TO BE CONTINUED UNTIL THE WAR AGAINST CIVILIONS STOP AND MAKE THEM BREATH PEACEFULY

- Mr S Ganeshanraj Robbie, Roy Asha Ganeshanraj, Mr S Ainkaran, HARROW UK

British government more interested in moving the protesters from the square than save the tamils in Vanni. Ten thousand civilians already lost thier life within the last theree months.

- G.Chayan, Lewisham, London

The tamils who are protesting have jobs and families etc as well as tax payers and british citizens, therefore they have full rights to protest. It would be good some news papers realise why this is happening and do something to protect the tamils in Sri lanka instead of asking people how to get rid of tamil from central london. Pathetic.

- Sugan, London

britist government first give maximum pressure to the srilankan government to stop the war,then no need for protest.

- Roja Rani, harrow ,london

I understand how you are feeling when roads are blocked and traffic disruptions takes place because of our demonstrations. I like to mention that people who are protesting do have a job and not living off the state benefits. My husband goes to work from 9-5 and from 8pm 2am he is at Westminster, his parents and two sisters living in the area. Not knowing what happened to them and being very helpless the only thing we can do is urge the UK government stop the war immediately and take action for ceasefire. There are people dying not in hundreds but in thousands everyday including newborn babies. Babies born in past few months has never seen the daylight they live in bunker.


- Meera Sathiya, Ilford Essex

This protest should continue until there is a permanent solution to tamils in sri lanka. By carrying such protest will open the eyes of the world & the leaders.

- Ruba Sundaram, Greenford, UK

Some of the comments here, I am very sure whom you are, are absolutely disgraceful. I am disgusted with some of these comments. Do you know what it is like living in fear everyday? losing your loved ones, having your homes destroyed?, being trapped, afraid you are going to be killed. No, you obviously don`t since you are coming out with these ignorant comments. The tamils in Sri Lanka are too frightened to speak up and they are expressing their concern about the problems. They have sacrificed their jobs for this protest and that takes courage.
At least they are not cowards and not afraid to speak up! The genocide in Sri Lanka is like what Hitler did with the Jews. It is like the Second World War in Sri Lanka at the moment.

- Robin, UK

I am a resident of Westminster. Good luck to the Tamils who are highlighting the issues in their own inimitable way. How dare Barrow and his ilk try and once again erode some ones right to protest. This issue is all about a One billion pound Chinese backed Sea Port in Sri Lanka for a handy refueling station for tankers from the south east. Jack Straw only yesterday confirmed that China will have an instrumental effect in the global recovery. Profit before people as always. Keep up the protest you tigers.

- Zachary Benjamin, London

Would tigers have a democratic motive for Tamils? In the present bloodthirsty form, shooting their own race of wounded, fleeing, and desperate Tamils, keeping civilians to save their fading tiger skin in pathetic. Tigers are pushed inside an area of 2.5 Km3 along with (170K civilian's tigers say, UN say 50K civilian, and GOSL say 20K) civilians, who is telling the truth? How many civilians were wrapped around tigers? Tiger estimate being 200 to 1000 cadres. Any mathematician work out the probabilities?
Only now British Government understand the real nature of LTTE. Please take serious action to remove LTTE out of the city area. LTTE are dangerous people. There is eminent danger for the host communities.

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

Can Tamils revive their voice proving that Tamils are peace loving democratic people or is it too late? Bloody thirsty LTTE destroyed the entire world Tamil integrity killing their own fleeing desperate people. Why are LTTE still carrying terrifying Tiger face on their flags? Is LTTE still bloodthirsty? LTTE has terrorised the world to an extent, no one willing to give a helping hand at this last minute.
Unfortunately, peace loving Tamil people are also 'wrongly labelled' as Terror group along with LTTE. Peace loving Tamils and LTTE are inseparable. Now Tamils are reaping harvest of the violent seeds sown earlier. Not heard in the history of Tamils.
Vanni peace loving Tamils are going through immense suffering and death. What is the use of liberating North and East of Sri Lanka after killing so many of our kids, kins, and turning the prosperous land in to land mines? Only what is left for the Diaspora Tamils is to pray God sitting on the tiger skin, wrapping the tiger flag around the waist and cyanide capsule around their neck, and watching Deepam TV and Tamilnet propaganda machines!

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

When George Bush and Tony Blair bombarded Iraq on false information about WMD (Weapons of Mass destruction), they killed thousands of innocent civilians including children and women.
When UN Security Council surveyors arrived at the war site for post war inspection to detect WMD, no trace of WMD found. Bush and Blair never went to prison for killing innocent people due to their wrong pre concept. When Israel bombed Hamas, not a dog from world media allowed to the fighting zone.
Israel accomplished their war plan and then pulled out, despite crocodile tears shed by western politicians.
Same standards now practised in Afghanistan using Pakistan as the doer of U.S ideas.
Does any one think U.S, Britain, or any country will help LTTE in its present terror form? Simon Hughes giving orange juice to Hunger striker was like giving a sweet to crying child! Pathetic
Milliband tried with all his Oxford tricks with Rajapakse!
India is nicely sitting tight with its political ambition!

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

No one in the world cares or notices about tamils when their getting raped and murdered, or when they go about making peaceful protests, but as soon as the tamils realise that they have no choice but an armed resistance, the whole world wants to know.

Sri Lanaka has stopped journalists reporting from the north. What have they got to hide? They're afraid of the truth leaking out, the fact that the genocide will be reported. And their excuse: "LTTE will kill you, we cant gurantee your safety", even after the LTTE, on numerous occassions, has openly requested journalists to come into the North.

LTTE has done bad things in the past, BUT the majority of tamils know that without LTTE they would have no representative and the genocide would go unreported.

- Ajith Kumar, London, New Malden, London

Suddenly when all collapsing, all Diaspora university students heard the news, they have a Tamil Eelam. They never had seen the soil or the originality of their own people suffering without food and clothing. Among Tamils- top Lawyers, top Doctors, and top political architects - All are now waking up for the ' last call' when Tamil ship is sinking! Is there a last minute escape?
The biggest ever disaster was killing Rajiv Gandhi..........Continued the disastrous path to present crises. In 2006, LTTE should have gone for lesser point in the negotiation , accepted a referendum for Tamil voice to be heard then steered clear to a devolution of power and of course the people's voice would have heard far and loud in to the main stream politics. All chances were missed due to foolishness and lack of thought and lack of political leadership within Tamil groups. What are the chances now? LTTE is a banned organisation when 'zero tolerance' announced by Bush following 9/11. We all know there are double standards practiced by Western world, Britain follows U.S ideas. Then our France and Germany, Sweden buys the same.

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

Tamils are very clever and very peaceful people, very creative people yet opted for an armed struggle. Pity that time, lives and money wasted finding armed solution for the social, civil problems.
Time and money can be earned, not human lives. There was a time when Norwegians came forward to mediate peace, but LTTE were extremely adamant not to take a lower seat. Unconditionally, LTTE sat firm on ' no negotiation without pre condition' The political side of LTTE should have settled for a lower step 'Give and take' policy should have been tactically followed and set on a political platform to steer in to main line politics with the Sinhalese. Where are all the levelheaded good Tamil Political leaders? Anton Balasingham, Tamil Sevam all sacrificed their lives; any good came out of these. More violent and angrier LTTE. Year 2006 was LTTE turning point, when signs of cracks appearing within LTTE. At that time all the Diaspora people sitting enjoying ' Gin and Tonic' and not doing nothing personally to their loved ones back in their own soil.
Diaspora groups are pre occupied, while having a lavishing life style in western world and giving the pounds, dollars, and Kroner for a luxury life for Prabhakaran. Badly guided, single mindedness LTTE leader went ahead with what they felt right, without proper political leadership from Diaspora Tamils.

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

I can remember those days when G.G Ponnampalam, Dudley Senanayake and J.R. Jeyawardena, Premedasa were PMs. There were good politicians like Budduhideen Mohamed, Dr. N. M. Perera, Selvanayagam, Kadhirkamar, and Ananda Cumara Swamy. There were bad forces within Jaffna people never followed the main line Politics with good leaders like Selvanayagam. There was a cancer growing within the Tamil groups to Separate Sri Lanka and rule, unfortunately who joined these groups are all separatists. Unfortunately, who funded LTTE, Diaspora groups? After failing many attempts for a peaceful negotiated solution, going madly on the terrorist route is where North and East Tamils went wrong. Possibly, they were guided and driven wrongly very deeper in to killings and violent. The violent seeds were sown repeatedly without any intervention from any Tamil peacemaker. After all, Tamils know the bitter lessons of the past world wars, the horrible destruction of townships and innocent people in Vietnam, Iraq, and Palestine, Afghanistan etc.

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

I am a Sri Lankan Tamil of Indian origin. I lived 30 years in Sri Lanka and the last 30 years in U.K. making this comment:
All Tamil politicians, MP's, mediators all failed to save Tamils of Lanka. This is just the mentality of the North and East Tamils and their ego to govern of their own drove them to arm themselves with the help of Diaspora LTTE promoters and mobs. There were democratic processes, if one correctly utilise the political processes, all problems can be resolved by negotiations and not by taking Arms and Bombs.

- Kumar Nathan, London, Middlesex, U.K

Why don't they go and protest in their own country, not keep disrupting London all the time; bad enough all the disruption from all the Tourists !!

- J.L.Gammage, Hereford, UK

only think we are asking is to stop the war in SriLanka and SAVE human Lives. If UK intervene quickly to stop the war they can save human lives and there won't be any more protest anywhere.if they want to stop the protest then British government need to pressurise SL government to stop the war. this is not the time to waste our time to argue about LTTE.
Please please save the TAMILS from inhuman government of SriLanka

- Shanker, London

How shellfish British people are, you have gone this far to block the protest but ignored the plea to save the civilians who are dying in the bombs that you British supplied. How hard for the British government to not to support Sri Lankan government’s terror on Tamils?

- Ragu, UK

With due apologies for any inconvenience caused to the British public, we appeal to the UK Govt to bring the horific war in Srilanka to an end - till then, please let our voices heard.

- Ananthy, Merton, UK

Dear British People,
I understand how you are feeling when roads are blocked and traffic disruptions takes place because of our demonstrations. However i wish to point out that the only reason why we have been forced to do this is because our voices are not heard. We have been protesting and we are never heard, so we had to take these actions to save our people who are being killed in 1000's everyday. Little childrens are also being killed everyday and this is what we want to stop. We want the UK government to force Srilanka into a ceasefire to stop killing innocent tamils cought up.

Please help us, hope you understand our frustations many people like me have lost their closed one in the recent attack.

- Kajan T, Uxbridge, London

So far we have brought the world attention to the Tamil people suffering in Sri lanka, and please let us protesting in the Parliament square until there is a solution. World leaders can bring the peace to this war.

- T Sivagaran, Wembley, London

But Sri Lanka gained her independence from Britain in 1948. What can the British Government or British people do about this matter?

- Magnus Nielsen, London UK

It's a shame British people don't feel motivated enough to protest about anything (except the odd global outrage). Using the Tamil protest, which means very little to the average British person, would be a cleverly constued way of eroding the rights of all of us. We must never allow the situation of the right to peaceful protest be removed and this is just the sort of excuse the Government would love to use. Don't buy into it whether you agree with the protest or not.

- Real, London

The Tamils peaceful protest demonstration that took place on two Saturdays in January 31st 2009 & in April 11th 2009(took part more than 125,000 & 200,000 resp), the Tamil Uni.students hunger strikes & lately the Tamils were protested more than 35 days in the Parliament sq. didn’t bring any valid response from the British govt to stop the genocide against the SL Tamils & to take immediate actions to deliver:
1) Immediate & permanent ceasefire
2) Humanitarian aids- Food, Water & Medicine to Vanni.
Instead, more & more innocent Tamil civilians in 1,000’s got killed every day while the whole World watches. Whether the Tamils like it or not, there were no option left to them, other than protesting non violently by blocking the roads round the Parli.sq.

The Tamils are sorry for the inconvenience caused by this to the public, but they did only to open the eyes of the British govt & speak for the voiceless people of Sri Lanka.

- Lavi Bala@Hotmail.Com, UK

To all the people leaving comments protesting about saving "our" people... I have one question where were you when my relatives -Tamils all of them -were killed by suicide bombers while two were killed for not giving their son to the LTTE. There are countless tamils who have died at the hands of the LTTE where were your loud voices of condemnation at the time or were you too busy meeting your lawyers to resolve your asylum applications? I am a tamil and proud to be one but please don't ask for ceasefires in my name as Tamils like us will be cheering loudest when the brutal LTTE is no more.

- Tharun Gnanapragasam, London

Dear Friends,

I do understand that by being on the road, we are disturbing you. But we are trying to save those innocent people in Sri Lanka who are being shelled and bombed by their own government. We expect Brits can and will help us.

PLEASE HELP US AND SAVE THOSE INNOCENT LIVES.

- Chithy Thava, Harrow, UK

I support Dr K_Chelvan, UK comment

British goverment has a duty to solve this problem we do not want to distrub the public this is the only option is left to tell the people our suffering.

- Indran Soorya, Colindale,London

To all civillised Humans regardless of their race will support the cause of the Tamils who have lost their loved ones over 13000 Tamil civillans death and 23000 seriously injured having lost their limbs! When No independent witness,journalist, no NGO or Aid Agencies are allowed into warzone and those like the brave British Journalists who dared to report the abuses and crimes committed by Sri Lankan Government and Forces in those "concentrations camps"were handcuffed and deported like Criminals show SRI LANKAS TRUE FACE TOWARDS TAMILS TREATMENT OVER 62 years! I guess Tamils Areas especially or Sri Lanka/Ceylon would have been better off in Human rights,security,freedom,stablitiy and prosperity belonging still as colony to Great Britian!

- Rangan Soori, London,Uk

I am sure that most people are really angry about the Tamil Protest.

This argument about what the Tamils are suffering is clearly nothing to do with us.

Why should they even think about protesting. They are lucky to be here to live and work in peace.

I cannot understand therefore why they are taking us for idiots.

They are abusing our tolerance and be treated by the police with maximum firmness.

- K.J.Curwen, Enfield Middx.

In answer to the question, the right of protest should not be restricted merely because the present speaker of the house considers it to be (amongst other things) a health and safety issue.

Nor should it be restricted just because people disagree with any particular protest... democracy means that you have the right to be heard, and that you can't pick and choose what you allow to be heard. Indeed, unless you listen, how can you decide which way to be persuaded?

As to the venue; where better than Parliament Square to be heard by those who are elected to represent us, and who are expected to provide a reasoned response to such protests?

If temporary inconvenience is the price of democracy, it's better than the alternatives.

- John, Dorset, UK

dear londoners
one live is more important than inconvenience.please try to help save tamils in srilanka as humanbeing.leave the tamils in the sqare until they get peace.

thaya.london

- Thaya, london

We are protesting to Stop the War and we want to save our people from Sri Lankan Gevernment.
Because more than 1700 people including 100 babies killed in one day. so we try to push your mp's to stop the war on tamils by srilankan govt. The British government
should do something about this very soon. Really sorry to trouble you by sitting on the road but you will understand our problem.

PLEASE CAN YOU ALL HELP US TO SAVE OUR PEOPLE IN SRI LANKA?

Thanks you,

Akshanaa

- Akshanaa, Walthamstow

Comment to Trisha - Why are you silent at the lack of freedom of the many hundreds and thousands of tamils who had been used as civilian shields by the LTTE all this time. Are you not concerned about tehir freedom. How can you call your protests peaceful when you go and stone the embasies of India and Sri lanka?

- Tharun Gnanapragasam, London

Conducting a peaceful protest is the only way to show my support to those who are suffering under the immoral government of Srilanka. I believe, by now most of London citizen came to know the genocide process that is taking place in Srilanka. I hope they do sympathise with Tamils for the painful journey that they are travelling. In this difficult time, it is important that our people should not be left alone to suffer. By carrying out such protest will give them hope that they will be freed at some point. Please allow us to support them by permitting us to continue to protest.

Thanks
Karan

- Karan, LONDON

Had Boris gone ahead and Pedestrianisaed one side of Parliament Square protesters would then have had somewhere to demonstrate without regulary bringing London to a standstill.

Last Monday I found ALL Whitehall closed, All Parliament Square and most of Victoria Street with chaos for bus passengers.

Simply closing the area outside Parliament would prevent this as traffic could then use the North and West sides of the square the question is why was this not possible?

- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex

As a Tamil, I'm really sorry about the inconvenience caused to general public because of this demonstration. But at the same time you have to understand that we are not protesting but actually begging for mercy from the British Government. We are currently helpless. The country that would normally support Tamil is India. But Sri Lanka has bought the Indian Government by selling part of our Land (a strategic port city of Trincomale). So India doesn’t bother with this issue any more, rather they would give more arms and support their killing. India has got their land which they have been waiting for so long.

But the current election result will teach the Sonia Government a good lesson and show the government that Indian People care for Humans more than a piece of Land stained with Blood and there is no place in the Hindustan for her Mafia tactics.

The only other country we can ask for mercy is UK. The sole reason we the Tamil people are in this unimaginable catastrophic situation (as Red Cross and UN said) is because of an administrative mistake made by our Colonial English rulers in early 19th century. They have a moral obligation to save us from the Sri Lankan Government.

We are not asking for any monetary help. All we want is your voice. Please feel our pain and use your power and stop the genocide of Sri Lankan government.

- Dr K_Chelvan, UK

I have been participating in the protest since it began in April. I consider it is important for me to give my support to everyone who is fighting for the freedom of Tamil people, who are suffering at the hand of Srilankan dictatorship. As we are conducting our protest in a peaceful way, I have no reason to believe why we shouldn’t be given permission to continue our protest.

Trisha Selvaratnam

- Trisha, LONDON

The protesters in Parliament Square may believe they have legitimate grievances which Britain can help them with, but in my view they're not helping their cause by carrying the flag of a terrorist organisation outlawed by the UK, European Community, USA, Canada, and other countries, nor by carrying the picture of the LTTE terrorist boss and wanted murderer, Mr Prabhakaran.

- Candidly, Kandy, Sri Lanka

To answer the question...what does it have to do with us?

Ignoring the fact that it was the British colonial policy of uniting two separate sovereign nations into one so it can be administered easier;

Or the fact that it failed to provide adequate safeguards to ensure that there was an effective constitution in place to ensure all groups had equal rights and opportunities.

The UK government has a legal obligation under International conventions IT WILLINGLY signed upto to prevent heinous crimes against civilians.

Secondly, ignoring the legal side, the UK Government has a moral responsibility to not fund despotic regimes like the Sri Lankan Government through providing preferential trade concessions and International Monetary Fund loans.

Simply put your taxpayer’s money is indirectly being used to commit heinous crimes against innocent people who are directly related to many British Citizens of Tamil Origin.

The Govt. acted to post sanctions against Zimbabwe, why not Sri Lanka or does it need to get to the levels of Rwanda or Darfur ...before we say once more “never again.”

“All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”

- Jt, London, UK

Dear fellow citizens,

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience caused and explain the reason why the Tamils Diasporas are in Parliament square.

Our family and friends in Sri Lanka are being subjected to systematic genocide for the past 61 years that has reached its zenith. As a desperate and urgent call for action, British Tamil Students along with British Tamils blocked the Westminster Bridge on 6th April which brought in the media attention that we hoped would stop genocide. However the 2nd road block was caused due to police indecisiveness to open the 2nd pavement on parliament square. 3rd & 4th road blocks were initiated by the people who were brought in by government of Sri Lanka to bring discredit to our peaceful struggle. We, Tamils, face harassment, deception and Government lead false propaganda war even in the Western world by Government of Sri Lanka.

My statement above may be viewed as excuses as you have been fortunate to be a non-Eelam Tamil who has faced ruthless torture of many forms by successive Sri Lankan brutal regimes. I apologise on behalf of Tamil community and plead with you to stop genocide, worse than Rwanda, being carried out in 21st century.
Thank you

- Ambi, London, UK

I am British and I have every right to visit Parliament Square whenever I choose, either as a demonstrator or as a tourist, singly or in a large group.
Because Brits of tamil origin are normally working all hours and spending what little time they have with their families, they rarely get out to see our famous sights. Minorities have very little representation and are normally invisible to the public. I think it's time this changed.
The people of Great Britain were happy to benefit from plundering the wealth of countries all over the world, including Sri Lanka. Britain played a part in setting the scene for the current affairs in Sri lanka, by bringing together tamil and sinhala kingdoms. Great Britain is the world's second largest Arms Dealer and recently sold arms to the Sri lankan government.
Sri lanka is still part of the Commonwealth.
We are protesting to raise awareness of the genocide of tamils, to Stop the War, for britain to use its powerful influence politically and economically in creating a lasting peaceful resolution for tamils, namely the restoration of their homelands(Tamil Eelam). The Sinhala people(majority) in Sri Lanka did not allow tamils to exist alongside them-regular massacres, rape, torture and disappearances over the last 60 years attest to this. This is why the Tamil Tigers formed.

- Chitra Raj, London

We are doing this for protect the Tamil people and we want our people to be saved from indiscriminate killings by Sri Lankan Gevernment.
Please understand our problem. We feel misery when they block a road for a day but over 1700 Tamil people killed in 48 hours.
we really feel sorry to trouble you by sitting on the road but Tamil people doing right now at westminster is right.

Thak you all

SRi

- Sri, Walthamstow,London

Hi,

The problem in Srilanka was caused by the UK merging two nations into one and leaving. For example merging France and England and leaving parliment in the hands of France will not work.
Hence, the UK has a moral responsibility to resolve this conflict.
The excuse of the UK have no power is not accurate, the UK is perfectable able to stop a $1.6 billion dollar IMF loan to Sri Lanka and that will immediately make the government in Srilanka take notice.
Burma and Zimbabwe are countruies where the population is living in abject povety - in Srilanka, if the money from the west is stopped, the people in the South will force their leaders to take actions to resolve this conflict - in a fair mannar.

Hence, my belief is the protests outside Parliment need to continue until the UK government acts.

- Sri Prakash, London, uk

Any attempt to push Tamils out of Parliament Square,would be an attempt to actively support the genocide of Tamils in Srilanka.
You have already got enough blood(more than 100,000 people's) in your hand,by leaving Tamils in sinhalese majority.Do add more.Please......

- Rangan, Ilford

One may not support the nuts and bolts of the protest, but the right to protest MUST be permitted in every area including the locations around Number 10 and The Houses Of Parliament.
It is however, very noticible that the police are not as heavy handed with these protesters as they were with the G4 protesters.....obviously because this lot have some clout and will fight back.

- Mike Coventry, Hertfordshire GB

Jan from Croydon mentions Britain's "clear legal obligation" vis-à-vis Sri Lanka as a leading member of the UN, and goes on to shroud-wave by evoking "Rwanda and the Holocaust", But Jan, you might have noted - if you've not been living down a coal mine - that Britain has said its piece often enough for years on Zimbabwe and Burma, to name two, the results being zero.
If these people wish to protest against the government of their homeland, for God's sake go there and do so! This is MY country, and they should stop disrupting our lives.

- Croyboy, Croydon

Good luck to these people,many of whom have friends and family over there who have been maimed and killed,there would be something wrong with these protesters if they were not protesting!David,Isle of White,some things are more important than Your jobs and clogged streets for crying out loud,how small is some peoples view of the world,should the British Government be bombing the civilians on the Isle of White at this moment in time,i would be sat in parliament square,and possible more in protest,and Beatriz,London I'm sorry your life is a misery"i bet it is".These Sri Lankans are decent hard working people who at this moment in time are seeing there friends and family being mascaraed,and there dammed right to be kicking up a fuss about it,and you should be to in solidarity.But then i forget,your bus journey is far more important.

- Kev, London-UK

In response to Beatriz, I think you should know that any of us that turn up there would go back to sri lanka, but the situations so bad we'd probably die from speaking out against the government!
And to David, yes they do have jobs and schools to go to, but they have such strong dedication that they're prepared to leave them to show support for their people, there are loads of displaced tamils that have lost their livelihoods in sri lanka, and you're complaining about the streets, great!
I think the point you're missing is that the tamils are a very strong community, as demonstrated above and on other marches, a legislation like this being put in place won't phase them!

- Athithya, Crawley

Britain should be allowed to protest at parilment square for tamil people fighting for ceasefire

- N.Sreendra, Harrow , middlesex

There is an existing law which could be used. It's called obstructing a public highway. Does anyone remember it being used a few years ago against shopkeepers who put goods for sale on the pavement outside their shops in an effort to improve their business. Thankfully such disgraceful and threatening behaviour was stopped in its tracks by the state - not!

- Jb, London

They are preparing for the day when Brits will be marching to oust the slime making the rules in parliament.

- John, benidorm,spain

Can anyone tell me what the protest has got to do with the UK, except that it used to part of the Commonwealth when I used to watch Blue Peter?

- Les, Essex

IF Hitler captured UK and kill every English man and women, then if some English Diaspora people have demonstration in front of White House then will you accept this kind of demonstration? Most of the people in the demonstration have a job, study but they scarified those for Srilankan tamils.

If you imagine that you the Tamils then you will not ask this kind of question that is why these people are doing....

- Raj, London

thats a shame u ppl dont know what the protest is about..we live in a democratic country...freedom of speech, and we r not " cloggin" up the street for no reason, we have tried talking to the government, letters to number 10 and all, nothings worked, and no we cant do this in sri lanka because thats were this is happening, i think before people voice their opinions they should ask themselves y would so many people feel so strongly that they are willing to give up their time to protest,and everyone does have jobs im a student myself,our brothers, sisters, mothers , fathers etc are getting killed there and noone is listening,and its not about bravery of sitting on the roads is about the innocent lives perishing.have a heart people, and do some research before voicing ur opinions.thanks

- Alexi, london

I find it hilarious how most of the people who have commented state that these protesters are a nuisance or that he don't have "rights" because they should actually be in Srilanka if they care so much! For goodness sake do your history homework! These people have fled from their countries because of the stupid mistakes Britain made initially by waltzing of to their country, colonizing it as ONE land, and then leaving it in a mess these "minority" Tamils could not retrieve. Their people are dying in thousands MAINLY BECAUSE OF BRITAIN! So tehy have EVERY right to protest here. You think about your morning way to work is disturbed, but these people are being raped, tortured and starved by their own government. Even if not the responsibility Britain owes to these people, at least for the Tamil British citzens, who believe they live in a Democratic country, something needs to be done for them...

- Lourdes, East London, England

Not everyone in this country can understand the situation in Sri Lanka and the agony of protesters in the parliment square. Some of you are thinking only of disturbance getting to work and back but we want this contry to intervene and stop the killing of our people in Sri Lanka. We have already lost lots of our relatives and friends. Have any one thought that we have been protesting nearly 2 months now and nothing has happened yet. Why do we protest? do you think it's our hobby. NO we want our people to be saved from indiscriminate killings by Sri Lankan state and we still belive that this Gevernment would do something about it. Please understand our problem. We do not want to disturb your day to day work but we want you to realise the real situation and speak to the Government on behalf of us. We are here with no issues but our blood in Sri Lanka which was ruled by British earlier have been dying of no food and medicine. PLEASE CAN YOU ALL HELP US TO SAVE OUR PEOPLE IN SRI LANKA? WE REALLY FEEL SORRY TO TROUBLE YOU BY SITIING ON THE ROAD BUT WE COULD NOT FIND ANY OTHER WAY TO GET MEDIA ATTENTION.

- Nathan, HARROW, MIDDLESEX, UK.

Firstly, I think all you haters making comments out there need to first collate your info from reliable sources.
The flag which these protesters hold is not the LTTE flag, it's the flag of their nation. There is a difference between the LTTE flag and national flag.
Do you think Tamils have nothing else better to do than block the streets of London!? They have an education, work and families to feed. They're not crying their eyes out there just for the sake of it.
You want to deport these people out do you? Why don't they take the protests to Sri Lanka? Well if it weren't for the British government, the Island would not be in this bloody state! Obstruction of the highway is illegal, but when the British stepped onto the Island, was that not illegal? The British have a duty to clean up their mistakes of what they did over 60 years ago. Tamils have tried everything, from going to the UN, rallying, writing to the IC, etc...but what changes have they seen? Just a couple of thousand more dying everyday!
You, the International community, should open your eyes and study deeper into one's cries. One should be allowed to voice their rights no matter what!
Apologies for the long message, but it is upsetting to see what lack of knowledge some people have.

- Monica, London, UK

we are not jobless or homeless we have a good life in uk. if we can have a good life why can't our people get it back home? international comunity must stop massacre of tamils by srilankan govt. britain have the power thats why we are in front of the parliment. we have rights to ask britain. don't try to criticise our protest , try to push your mp's to stop the war on tamils by srilankan govt.

- Anban, london

If we go back to Sri Lanka to fight for our rights, we will be joined with other 300 000 tamils who are in the detention camps and getting raped tortured and murdered.. and Sri Lankan government is so poor that they are also selling innocent tamil people's organs.. This is the situation.. only because Britain colonised Sri Lanka and united Tamils and Sinhalese this is happening. We want our separete country as it was before.. Thank you.

- Tamil, Lewisham

Every time, an article appears about Sri Lankan Tamils, there is an avalanche of commentators. They are Jonnys instead of Jhonnys, Some of them bear Tamil names, other live in far away Isle of Wight and never you find a Sinhalese name among these people. Go to any article here, you won't find as many commentators as in Tamils related articles. These people are mostly "paid for" by the Sri Lankan Government for doing this.

Any Brit with little knowledge of world history will not write such nonsense.

We are protesting because 3000 people ere killed in 48 Hours. It is a shame that you complain that could not get to work on time. By the way my friend, ask any employer; the Tamils do the hardest jobs and they do work almost all of them.

- Bose Kaspathy, London, U.K

Firstly, peaceful demonstrations are fine but to bring everything to a halt outside Parliament is not. Nor is it okay to demonstrate day after day at the same location. Each time theres a protest in Parliament Square it costs the taxpayers a huge amount in police resourcing. Add to this the disruption caused by stuck traffic and the clean up operation afterwards. It's also a little rich that the Tamils want action from the UK when for years they fought bitterly against any colonial interference. The world is a different place and UK is no longer a major player so it really isn't our problem to solve. We have enough of our own problems and its high time we focused on getting those sorted out rather than always being a charity for other nations.

- Kalen, Epping, UK

People are not clogging up the streets because they don't any jobs or because they've got nothing else to do.
They are doing this to stop the civil war and protect the tamil people who are dying out there in Sri Lanka.
The British government has a huge responsibility as they gave the power to the sinhala people, thus they should do something about this very soon, and whatever the tamil people doing right now at westminster is right.
Therefore us tamil people in England should be out there to support them.

- Nilani, London, England

We all in a different world more than 700 people including 100 babies killed in one day attack but it is over an issue thousands of miles away of no interest to us whatsoever.

- Nisha, Walthamstow,uk

we want cease fire plzplz plzplzppppppppppppppppppppppppllllllllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzpppppppppppppppppppplllllllllllllllllllllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzpppppppppppppppppllllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

- Kajen, croydon

You Westerners not invade our country we tamils could have been far better off in our own home land! You people made a mess so its your duty to clear up. Let us live in peace. Hope you will understand.

- Thaya, london

I strongly feel Britain and Western countries play a big role in srilanka conflict. We feel misery when they block a road for a day but 2000 of their own including women and children killed in one day. More than 8000 killed by Srilanka in the last few month while everyone watch!!

- Menan, london

There is a Law.LTTE Terrorist are ban in UK,USA.and Europe.If their branch are active in Uk that is illegal.

On other hand,any Organozation try to protect theire
rights,they should not break others right.(Peaceful Londener's rights)

- Nadaraja, Edmonton

I commute to Westminster every day and as a law abding citizen I take great pleasure in seeing people express their views in the time honoured tradition of protest.

It is shameful that once again our legitimate right to protest is being eroded. And as for enjoying "the pleasures of one of London's great squares." that has been made almost impossible to do safelesy with no crossing point to the square available.

- Max, London

Those people who are so worried about the traffic jam and the inconvenience caused during the peaceful protest in the parliament square they should go back in history and read more about what impact the British Colonisation has been in Sri Lanka. Your forefathers entered unlawfully and took everything what they had and when Sri Lanka became independent it ended up leaving the country united whereas it used to be two kingdoms without any conflicts, just to make their ruling easier. And you still do not feel that Britain has a responsibility to stop the genocide against Tamils because you guys care more about Kate & Peter's seperation rather than correcting your mistakes.

- Tamil Ealam, Berkshire

please anyone can stop the war?

- Suki, uk

Tamils are fighting to save their people in Sri Lanka. Those people who think being on time for work is more important than the lives of 1000s of people, then maybe the protest is a waste of time. Imagine 1700 of your family and friends dying in 48 hours, then your view may change.

- Parvathy, London

it's disgraceful that supporters of a terrorist organisation are allowed to protest like this! what if Al-Qaeda supporters decided to do the same? the conflict in Sri Lanka should be decided by their own government. the people there shouldn't have to live with terrorism.

- Tamara, harlow, uk

i urge the british government to take necessary action to stop the genocide in sri lanka rather than clearing some innocent protestors who is fighting to live in this world humanly. i hope what they asking is not too much while we have three course meal on gold plates thank you all

- Vimal, uxbridge

Such ignorance being displayed here. Not a single mention about the nearly 35 000 casualties including women and children. No condemnation of this appalling massacre of Tamils. We are supposed to be leading by example. What happened to the Brits who stood up against the Nazis? Those who protected human rights.
You want to prevent protests under the shadow of Churchill in parliament square?

I would rather be delayed in traffic and miss eastenders.

By the way most Tamils aren't asylum seekers living off benefits. Most of us are doctors, accountants and small business owners. Go to any hospital in the UK, you will at least find one
Sri lanka Tamil doctor working there.

- Rajan, London, democratic country

This is the same Michael Martin whose "home refurbishment" cost the tax payer £1.7 million! Why should we listen to him!

The Tamils are there making a statement and they're not really harming anyone. Peaceful protest and freedom of speech are the highlights of democracy!

- Ruba, London

I think it's disgraceful that supporters of a known terrorist organisation are allowed to openly demonstrate due to so-called "democracy". Would we like it if Al-Qaeda supporters did the same? Terrorism should be condemned whatever the circumstances.
Having read about Sri Lanka I feel that their government has every right to try and solve their conflict without interference from other countries. The people of Sri Lanka should be able to live free of terrorism.

- Tamara, harlow, UK

Sri Lankan government , acts of mass violence, rape, extrajudicial executions, whole scale round ups, force detention, torture and other forms of inhuman treatment by of Sinhalese security forces within all tamil ppl have created tensions on Tamil people The mistrust in the Sinhala armed forces and the perceived discrimination faced by the Tamils lead the Tamil people to believe that only Eelam could provide safety and came to believe that their very survival was separate Tamil state

- Harvy, london,

Please our brother and sister try to understand us, we also like to live in sri lanka like you all, but we lost our happness and life because of the genocide war in sri lanka, we are not aim to spoil your happeness, this is the best time you to understand our situation as a human, we all hate war no one like war, we are protesting here to stop the war and save the people in sri lanka, if the briton people relize the actual situation in sri lanka they can actually save the people who are dying every day (Like viyatnam ppl). please try to save the people in sri lanka, they are not born to die in the war, they also like to live in this world like you and me. please please try to understand us.

- Uthayan, University of hertfordshire

Sri Lankan government , acts of mass violence, rape, extrajudicial executions, whole scale round ups, force detention, torture and other forms of inhuman treatment by of Sinhalese security forces within all tamil ppl have created tensions on Tamil people The mistrust in the Sinhala armed forces and the perceived discrimination faced by the Tamils lead the Tamil people to believe that only Eelam could provide safety and came to believe that their very survival was separate Tamil state

The ongoing genocide of Tamils by the Government of srilankan
The Srilankan government has been employing violence and intimidation amount to genocide against its Tamil civilian population since its birth in 1948, a span of 61 years now with in “safe zone. “They killed as many as they can. (4500 Innocent civilian) .Now this conflict will assume a new form because the underlying savage oppression of the Tamil people will have remained unaddressed. Indeed, the Tamil Diaspora is now at its highly of unity against the Government of srilanka. Now in north they detaining 50,000 Tamil civilians in barbed-wire, militarily controlled concentration camps with no freedom of movement or access to the ICRC and vulnerable to rape, disappearances, and murder by the Sri Lankan Army.

- John Smith, HIGH WYCOMBE,BUCKS

The Telegraph said last week that Michael Martin claimed £1,400 in expenses for chauffeur-driven limousines... So when hard working people exercise their democratic rights he starts whining, because he gets to work a little bit late! Why is anyone listening to this guy??

- Jana, London

This is outrageous, what has happned to UK.
Govt must act soon to stop these stupid people from disturbing Londoners lives.

- Jennifer, Kent

I have great sympathy for the Tamils. They cannot go and protest in Sri Lanka, for fear of extra judicial killings and "disappearances", all linked to the Government.

We are free to talk hear in London and the press are free to air any opinions, unlike in Sri Lanka! As a British citizen, am I not allowed to protest? This is my country, and if I disagree with its foreign policies, I am allowed to voice my concerns!

And yes, any group could mount a protest on Parliament Square, similar to how Brian Haw has been there constantly since 2001. But it seems the Tamils are extremely dedicated to this cause and have numbers to back them!

Finally, from what I can see, they are pretty peaceful protests. Not like the G20, where 4,000 people sparked riots. Didn’t 100,000 Tamils march a few weeks ago without the tiniest bit of violence? They are here to stay, until the British Government does something! They invaded Iraq, without UN backing. They went to Srebenica with NATO. The Tamils don’t necessarily want military action, trade sanctions would be enough! Don’t they already do that with Zimbabwe? Why not Sri Lanka?

- Thusi, NW London

Its our right to demonstrate in Parliamant Square, are you kidding, I thought there was a law that said you needed police permission to demonstrate within a mile of Parliamant, Remember they arrested a mother of a dead soldier at the cenataph for reading out the names of the war dead, and also remember she was arrested under anti terroism laws.

- Steve M, LONDON

Perhaps us Brits should have been as resolute when Blair invaded Afghanistan and then Iraq. Who knows, it may never have happened. Our commitment to a cause lasts all of about five minutes... until it's time to get home for tea. Maybe that's why MPs know they can take us for a ride. Broken Britain indeed!

- Look And Learn, London

When I heard the news of 1000s of my follow tamils were killed on last Sunday I phone to my boss that I cant do my work as normal and want to take a week off. Since I am here in parliament square with others.

- Kumar, london

The tamils came to this country fleeing the war. Any human would run away from danger. But the good one would stand up for the people s/he left behind! That's what these ppl r doing. Most of the times it has been very peaceful. And people have been doing this on a rotational basis, its not like they have nothing to do/ no jobsn as some one suggested. I hope the freedom of speech stands when the legistlation comes thru.

- May, london

The root of modern conflict goes back to British colonial rule:-

Please see the following links and make your comments:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkJOR-cJ3GI

- Karen, Essex

MEMO TO TAMIL PROTESTERS...You have made your point and all you are doing now is costing the Police time and money which could be spent on present troubles at home.Do you consider the UK your home or one of convienence?..Obey the law of the land,let's see what happens if you are banned and you go against the ruling..

- Jonnie Of Brixton, brixton,london,england

Surely a condition of being granted asylum is the obligation to obey British law? Never mind flag-waving outside parliament, these protesters are fund-raising for the LTTE, which has more innocent blood on its hands than the Sri Lankan government by a mile. This is a crime by any definition, and these protesters should be deported immediately to the country which is so obviously their real home.

- John North, London, UK

Quite astonishing how many people here seem to feel that their bus having to take a detour is a more important cause for concern than the daily murder of innocent civillians.
To one poster it is actually the case that their are similar protest going on in other countries e.g. Canada, Australia, France.
Furthermore to wipe out more of Britains civil liberties at a whim over a protest is quite scarey. What of traditions of freedom,right to protest etc. that supposedly define Britain as a progressive democracy.
While I understand that the BNP may do well in the next elections due to recent scandals it is a sad fact of this forum that so many seem to support them on an ideological level.
How many minutes a day extra would you all be willing to spend travelling to work if it meantsaving a life?

- Matt, London

When did peaceful protest, as in simply expressing one's dissatisfaction over something, become the RIGHT to disrupt and markedly inconvenience others. When did it become the RIGHT to alter daily work and even the livelihoods of others?

An organised march, to show unity of thought? Why not! Even flags, banners and rousing speeches - fine. These can be done without screwing with uninvolved people's lives.

Intentionally blocking thoroughfares and stopping deliveries, making increased police presence equal a decreased police presence in their day to day duties - are NOT simple, peaceful protest. They are deliberate obstruction and disruption, designed to bring daily routines for the majority to a halt; to cause ordinary people the maximum inconvenience possible.

Worst of all, to my mind anyway, are the women who bring babies and toddlers along - why? To intimidate the police perhaps? To wear them, in effect, as a layer of media focus armour to avoid having the police move them on when they decide to block off people's lives to make their own bee-in-the-bonnet 'cause' heard loudest - especially these people marching in support of listed terrorist groups.

Peaceful protest is supposed to be about proclaiming a message to those who will listen. What these people are doing is forcing themselves on others, and defying the authorities to do anything about it.

- Rogan, Irving

Just bring out the water cannons and stop messing about with these people. If they do not obey the law of the land, then deport the lot so they can make their prtests in Sri Lanka. If the liberal dogooders want to support this mob then let them go and fight in Sri Lanka. I am fed up with everyone thinking it's Britains duty to come to therir aid, it isn't.

- Oldgattonian, London

Some of the comments here, I am very sure whom you are, are absolutely disgraceful. I am disgusted with some of these comments. Do you know what it is like living in fear everyday? losing your loved ones, having your homes destroyed?, being trapped, afraid you are going to be killed. No, you obviously don`t since you are coming out with these ignorant comments. The tamils in Sri Lanka are too frightened to speak up and they are expressing their concern about the problems. They have sacrificed their jobs for this protest and that takes courage.
At least they are not cowards and not afraid to speak up! The genocide in Sri Lanka is like what Hitler did with the Jews. It is like the Second World War in Sri Lanka at the moment.

- Jo, Kent

I felt very sick when I saw the comments from David of Isle Of Wight and Beatriz of London.

They all should look at the histroy of Srilanka. If British never ruled us then we would have been in better posistion now. Because British ruled us, now we are here and fighting for the freedom and Britih got big role to play here. here's got to be a reason behind all the civilion (inocent people, especially children)death.

- Sukumaran, London., UK

Martin is an idiot anyway. I thought there was already a law stopping people gathering in Parliament Square, or does that just apply to the British ?

Get rid. Our tourists must come first.

- Michael, Kensington, UK

we are living in democratic country, I am very shame to read some of the comments made by other viewers. I guess most of the people don't read or watch news apart from this country.

If you get a chance visit some of sri lankan news site and then write comments.

All people should be allow to protest.

- Rajah, Ilford

It’s deeply disappointing that Londoners are more aggrieved by the slight delay in their journeys than the humanitarian crisis happening in Sri Lanka. Perhaps if we understood that the people protesting may find it difficult to live an ordinary day whilst knowing that their families are being shelled and tortured by a corrupt government. The Tamils have every right to ask for political attention in the way that they do.

- Alan A, Twickenham

Anything that Martin proposes must be examined very carefully, and this is no exception.

- Ayliff Mcnab, Spain

How come these people have all day to protest, don't you have jobs an all. People trying to make a living out there and you people are just making their day worse clogging up the streets.

- David, Isle of Wight

Ifthey feel so strongly, they should be in Sri Lanka, fighting for their cause. It is all too easy to make life a misery for us here. It does not take much bravery or principles to sit on the road.

- Beatriz, London

Not really sure what these Tamil people are hoping to achieve with there protest, Britain can really do very little to ease there plight, do they have the right to protest? yes they do, and any attempt to stop them is a slur on democracy and freedom.
Perhaps if the protest could go international and a similar protest be held in many other cities around the world then maybe something will happen.

- Brian, Wiltshire

Peaceful protest in this country must be allowed everywhere. If anybody wants to stop it here or prevent it here then why not go and find your nearest war memorial or grave and urinate on it? Hitler wanted to stop all that - not us. Not our forefathers.

- Thomas, London

Get on with it then, Bala.

Until the LTTE stop using innocent civilians as human shields, you'll won't geta shred of my sympathy for your championed cause.

- Jock, London

I am shame to say that I am living in a democratic country the commans above make me feel like living in srilanka. if this is what you want i will go into the thames rather than go to heathrow to find a flight to sri lanka

- Bala, tamil eelam

People should be allowed to protest around Parliment - recent events have shown that the "Westminster Village" has lost all connection with the people, That said (and I am ready to be corrected)I do not see what conection the UK has with events in Sri Lanka.

- Jeremy E, Home Counties

Isn't it the position that, as a member of the UN, Great Britain has a clear legal obligation to call a meeting of the UN Security Council, as does each of the other contracting States? I can't see that reflected in any of the comments that I've read. All I seem to reading is "It's none of our business. They should go home and protest". My understanding is that no Tamil living in Sri Lanka dare speak up for fear of assassination. Presumably, these comments are posted by the very people who would happily go to watch movies about Rwanda and the Holocaust, shedding crocodile tears on the way out.....

- Jan, Croydon

why don't the ripped off taxpayers merge with the Tamils and really give the criminals in parliament something to think about.

- Victim Of Fraud, Rip off Britain

So there are no laws that can move them? What that means therefore is that any group can mount a demonstration and camp permanently in a London Square or Park? So why aren't there a hundred of these demonstrations going on now? All over London. According to Speaker Martin and everyone else at the moment it's legal.

So why not Troops out of Afghanistan, Animal Liberation, Stop Global Warming, Sharia Now! Gays against The Metric System etc etc etc? Apparently it's a free for all on London Streets. The law says so!

- Steve, London, UK

Has anyone else thought it wrong that government brings in laws just to stop protests outside parliament!

I don't like the fact that politicians can just pass a law to move demo's away form parliament. They live in a different world as it is. Without protest hey will be able ignore the people of this country even more effectively

- Not Exactly A Looney Lefty!, The real world

Firstly this is frankly embarrassing. I am a green card holder and spend a lot of time in the USA. This would simply never be permitted there, period.
Secondly, I have protested myself, the last time was against NATO bombing Serbia, I did not and never would have "sat" in the road.
Thirdly I am stunned, literally stunned that there is not already solid, tight, unambiguous law in place already to prevent this behavior; are they saying that any group could have done the same thing at any time over the past X hundred years?

- Dirty Harry, Birmingham, UK

they really are a pain. its not as though they will achieve anything.

SEND IN THE TSG boys..........

- Jonny, London

Our country is, currently, terrified of offending foreign minority groups who grace us with their presence. The Tamil Tigers, are like Hamas, terrorists who hide behind civilian human shields.

The protests, like the riots outside the Israeli Embassy a few months back, are illegal.

They should be sent packing with water cannon & our parliament left to sort out its own problems.

If Tamils in the UK have problems back home - they know where Heathrow is


Martin

- Martin, Bracknell England

Liberal and Proud, its because of people like you that we are slowly turning into a third world state. You wanted the borders open and boy did the floodgates pour in, you wanted more help for single parents and now we have whole generations breeding solely to stay out of work, not for the love of their children, and look where thats got us, gun crime, gang culture etc. And what would your lot like to do to solve everything...hug them? Because of liberals like you this country has gone to pot! If it was up to you I'm sure you'd allow all of the Tamils to move here, set up home, live off benefits etc but thankfully not everyone is like you.

- Anne Murphy, London

they are wearing out our patience now , so much so i declare..........
i will vote for any party in the forthcoming june elections who publicly declares to flush them off the streets and into the thames, with a water cannon on setting "ice cold"

- Neil, london

I am sorry but I for one will be pleased if these protestors can be removed. I have had too many bus journeys disrupted to/from work because of them and I cannot afford to take the tube. I am all for freedom of speech but it is completely selfish to disrupt everyone else's day when people are tired having worked long hours, to get your point across. Besides we would not allow the IRA or Al Queda to camp out. As for bringing their children along, that is a disgrace and using them for political means. Disgusting.

- Fq, London, UK

Why don't the protestors go to Sri Lanka?

- John From Fulham, Londond,England

"Liberal and Proud" (yes, I bet you are, and insufferably smug too), you and your ilk typify a lot of what is sick and so very wrong in modern Britain. I am sure that most of the comments are not born of a "sod the rest of the world" attitude, just a growing impatience with something which appears to be having very little effect where it needs to. And the attitude of the police to these people contrasts somewhat sharply with the way in which other (also, allegedly, "peaceful") protesters have been dealt with in very recent times.

- Hb, London, UK

The flags flying are logos of the banned Tamil Tigers so why have they not been confisicted? Enough of freedom of speach just enact the laws of the land and disperse them. Thier violent behaiour is just the tip of the iceberg watch how they will behave in future the Britsh government has opened a pandoras box by giviing them preferential treament

- Tharun Gnanapragasam, London

If they were white and middle class, they would already have been forcibly removed from Parliament Square.

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

Couple of clarifications for previous posters:

They have been protesting/attacking the Sri Lankan embassy in London - as well as the Indian and Chinese ones (seems to get more coverage overseas than over here):

07.05.2009
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/UK/LTTE-supporters-attack-Chinese-embassy-in-London/articleshow/4495770.cms

Secondly, as they are carrying the flag of the Tamil Tigers (supposedly a banned group in this country), their loyalties are to their race - NOT to Sri Lanka.

This group is also not adverse to doing a bit of ethnic cleansing of their own:
Christian Science Journal
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1207/p25s14-wosc.html

Once again, please do NOT class all Tamils as the same - many of them have been killed by this group. And, tragically, more dying as we speak.

- D Marks, London, UK

Just what is the point of this demonstration. The Sri Lankan government couldn’t care less about a demo thousands of miles away from them & the British government is completely unable to affect any decisions made by Sri Lanka. The only people affected by the demo are those who are loosing any patience & sympathy for the Tamil cause by pointless disruptions here in the UK.

- Richard, Thame

Ann Murphy, London.

I think what you said spoke for tens of thousands of Londoners.

Personally i'd use water cannons on them, and plastic bullets, protest yes, but not on this scale, it's not even our bloody problem.

- P Staker, London

Anne, I completely agree with you. Those sinners across the road couldn't care less that there is a protest outside. All they are doing is disrupting people like you and I trying to get to and from work, and I for one are sick of having to walk to the main line station every night and missing my train.

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

Hose them all down, like the police would anywhere else in Europe.

- Martin, Teddington

Time to boot them out, i've had enough of the mess at the square..

- Erfan, London

I fear for this country if these comments are a reflection of the general opinion. Right wing, inhuman apathists.

I only hope you never have a serious issue over which you feel the need to protest. "Who cares about the rest of the world - they're only foreigners anyway!" Imagine if that had been our attitude in 1939.

- Liberal And Proud, London, UK

Its about time something was done about this, my journey to work has been constantly disrupted due to these people. Deport those who are illegal and if their loyalty lies with their country of origin so much perhaps the rest of them should think about going home too. I'm sick of human rights of everyone but the workers of this country being taken into account. If these were protestors for animal rights, anti capitalism or some such non-ethnic dilemma the police would've waded in with their truncheons and horses long ago, only because they do not wish to be tarred as racist has this not happened so far. An utter joke.

- Anne Murphy, London

Frank, I have been reliably informed that many of the protesters are students and I wonder how many of them have actaully ever been to Sri Lanka. I am sympathetic to them and their cause but why are they not protesting at the Sir Lanken Embassy or the UN, who as normal are slow to react and mainly ineffective when it comes to doing anything anyway. Which is probably why they are not protesting there as they know this to be the case.

- Mjb, London

Excuse me, but where does everyone go to the loo?

- Dmn, wolverhampton, uk

Gutless Government idiots, a pathetic Commissioner of Police who is to use a George Galloway expression a 'lick spittle' yet another 'shoe in' incompetent. I pity Londoners and the awful state of their capital when they are humiliated like this by terrorist supporters.

- Nick Holland, glasgow

At least the Tamils are prepared to fight, except they should be doing it in their own country.
Scotland Yard should list all their personal details. I suspect quite a few would leave the square voluntarily.

- Ex London, Germany

I agree with Lloyd, in the main.
We don't need any new laws: simply deport this lot as the undesirable aliens which they obviously are.
As for blocking traffic, I seem to remember that the police had no trouble taking decisive action during G20, so why are they hesitating (for a month!) now?

- Croyboy, Croydon

Deport those who offend then and do them all a favour.It's obvious their loyalties lie with their country of origin.
We're becoming a third world state which may suit them but it's embarrassing.

- Steve, London

Absolutely, Roy G from Solihull. I work near Westminster and it has caused havoc with transport down Parliament Street and, contrary to what the protestors (unsurprisingly) claim, is far from "peaceful". Just what they imagine is going to be achieved by their behaviour is anyone's guess.

- Helen, London, UK

Absolutely, Roy G from Solihull. I work near Westminster and it has caused havoc with transport down Parliament Street and, contrary to what the protestors (unsurprisingly) claim, is far from "peaceful". Just what they imagine is going to be achieved by their behaviour is anyone's guess.

- Helen, London, UK

Please don't tar all Tamils with the same brush but there are other reasons for Tamils to protest - (but they'll put their lives in real jeopardy):

LTTE Intimidation and Extortion in the Tamil Diaspora - March 2006
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2006/ltte0306/index.htm

London shopkeeper Subramaniam Sivakumar murdered 29.12.06)
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23379808-details/Ritual%20murder%20of%20shopkeeper%20is%20linked%20to%20Tamil%20Tigers/article.do

"Mr Ramachandran was held against his will and made to buy his assailants a meal before being beaten to death, covered in petrol and set alight."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3130372.stm

- D Marks, London, UK

I am afraid the longer these people protest (apparently not working?) and disrupt Londoners, the less and less support they will receive.

- Frank, Home Counties, England.

Priority order for Metropolitan Police of six water cannon vehicles.......and to hell with the "Human Rights Law", as far as I remember we still have a law to ban obstructing our highways and pavements.
These Tamil protesters were given permission to reside in our Country and it certainly looks as if that lot are living off the state anyway, and should be deported as unwanted trouble makers.

- Lloyd, Glan Conwy

Not only is this obstruction an unwarranted interference to tax payers going to work to subsidise these layabouts on benefits, but it is over an issue thousands of miles away of no interest to us whatsoever. Would their demonstrations carry more weight if they travelled to Colombo and blocked the roads outside their national parliament?

- Roy G, Solihull, England.

Is this the same Speaker who was so greedy with his expenses claims and then tried to shut the whole thing up? Well, we can't have him inconvenienced, can we? The sooner we get rid of free speech and civil liberties altogether, the better.

- Jan, Croydon

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