Tamil protesters against Rajapaksa visit stopped at AP border

Andhra Pradesh police today prevented several activists from Tamil Nadu, who wanted to stage a protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the temple town of Tirupati, from entering the state.
Police stopped a convoy of 75 vehicles, carrying over 250 persons including women, on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border near Sullurpet in the district.
The protesters, carrying placards and flags, shouted slogans against Rajapaksa before heading back to Tamil Nadu, said Deputy Superintendent of Police B Srinivas.
Andhra police have tightened security in the border areas. The roads leading Tirupati from Tamil Nadu have been closed.

Rajapaksa arrived in Tirupati by a special flight this afternoon. He is slated to offer prayers at the famous Tirumala temple there early tomorrow morning.
"A full-fledged security arrangement has been made. Rajapaksa is scheduled to fly back to Sri Lanka tomorrow after offering prayers to Lord Balaji," Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravishankar Reddy told PTI.