Thousands pack Tamil protest march

Apr 11 2009

Thousands of Tamil protesters have gathered for a march in London as two hunger strikers continued their fast.

The protesters streamed into Embankment to march against the Sri Lankan government's offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels and alleged human rights abuses.

They packed along both sides of the road, which police had closed to traffic, chanting for their freedom.

In Parliament Square, two protesters - Sivatharsan Sivakumaraval, 21, and Prarameswaran Subramaniam, 28 - have been on hunger strike since 6am on Tuesday.

The men agreed to take on liquids for the first time early on Friday with doctors fearing renal failure.

Mr Sivakumaraval said he agreed to drink water after being promised he would be able to take part in talks on the plight of Tamils living in Sri Lanka.

He has also agreed to end his hunger strike if he receives signed confirmation of this promise.

The men remained lying beneath duvets in a corner of Parliament Square, under a tarpaulin.

The 21-year-old said: "Our health is very bad."