Sri Lankans who aspired for a peaceful pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu while they visited churches in Velankanni and Poondi Matha in central Tamil Nadu had turned a sour experience as there were several pro-Eelam groups which protested in several parts of the state and attacked the pilgrims at the shrines.

Over 184 pilgrims were coerced into rescheduling their departure from the country to an earlier date after a special flight of Mihin Lanka was provided on Tuesday night.

While they tried to reach the airport of Trichy, several people from the Tamil outfits had attacked them. Police had escorted them and provided them maximum security ensuring their safety. They were safe and unharmed but at least seven buses were damaged. The terrorized pilgrims were sheltered at the cargo terminal of the airport on Tuesday afternoon a few minutes before 3 pm. Over 50 members of MDMK — the political outfit of Vaiko — led by former MLA A Malarmannan were arrested.

"All of them were made to stay at the cargo terminal of Trichy airport until the flight arrived. They were provided food and other facilities," said Shailesh Kumar Yadav, Trichy city police commissioner.

In the group of tourists to Tamil Nadu were 83 women, 36 children who had come from Colombo on Saturday only to face the wrath of the political outfit. After their initial visit to Poondi Matha basilica in Thanjavur they had plans to reach Velankanni near Nagappatinam, where the annual festival at the Velankanni Matha basilica that attracts faithful from all over the world, was held last week.

(AW- Anil)