Police ordered to shoot rioters in Chennai

Chennai (IANS) Police in Tamil Nadu were on Saturday given shoot-on-sight orders to tackle unruly mobs and quell the violence that has broken out in support of Sri Lankan Tamils, even as the state high court was turned into a fortress with heavy security following three days of clashes between lawyers and police.

Madras High Court employees told reporters they were denied entry by police guards and were allowed inside only after their superiors intervened. "I was allowed inside after a four-hour wait at the gates and I have to prepare the cause-list for Monday," a woman told reporters outside the court.

Director General of Police K.P. Jain gave the shoot-on-sight orders. There were few reports of violence from the state.

Chief Minister K. Karunanidhi, reading from a prepared text in his hospital bed on Friday night, alleged that the violent incidents during the last three days were part of "an opposition conspiracy to destabilise the government".

"Despite these provocative conspiracies to destabilise our government, we will continue to serve the masses in Tamil Nadu," Karunanidhi said.

Cases were registered against more than 300 lawyers who had burnt vehicles and damaged property while demanding action against "police excesses" since Thursday.

Meanwhile, eight police superintendents and a joint commissioner were transferred with immediate effect, an official statement said. No reason was given for the move.

During the past three days, scenes at the high court premises have been tense, with lawyers protesting against the central and state governments' alleged inaction while Sri Lankan Tamils clashed with the police.

More than 200 lawyers were arrested on Friday.

Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan yesterday described the recent clashes between advocates and police in the Madras High Court as "very, very unfortunate".