Tamil film industry to remain shut tomorrow

Pressing for a five-point demand, including reconsideration of bilateral ties with Sri Lanka in the light of the ethnic Tamils issue, Tamil cinema directors' body has given a strike call on March 19. Tamil Nadu Film Director's Association (TNFDA) general secretary M Ameer Sultan said a hunger strike will be observed from 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday.

The directors' guild has sought cooperation from various other associations including, South Indian Artistes' Association, Tamil Film Producers' Council and Film Employees' Federation of South India. "On March 19, we will go on hunger strike between 9 am and 6 pm against the ongoing genocide in Sri Lanka. Thousands of innocent Tamilians are being killed and this is our way of showing support to our brothers and sisters there," filmmaker Ameer Sultan, secretary TNFDA, said in a statement.

"We have requested all members of the Tamil film industry to stop shooting on that day and join us in the movement," he added.

TNFDA's demands include implementing a Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution seeking economic sanctions against Colombo till Tamils are ensured status on par with majority Sinhalese and conducting a referendum with Lankan Tamil diaspora for a separate Tamil Eelam (homeland).