Tamil supporters smash windows in London protest

By Stefano Ambrogi

LONDON (Reuters) - Supporters of Tamil separatists smashed windows at the Indian High Commission and halted traffic in London on Monday in a protest to demand an immediate cease-fire in an offensive by government troops in Sri Lanka.

Police said they had arrested three people for criminal damage at the Indian High Commission, where they estimated between 150-175 people had protested.

Police arrested three more people at a larger protest at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London where two officers were injured and taken to hospital.

Witnesses said demonstrators threw small missiles at the Indian High Commission (Embassy), smashing ground floor windows.

"We want an immediate cease-fire," protester Kamal Dnansun told Reuters. Others chanted "Cease-fire Now!"

Police said protesters at the Sri Lankan High Commission had now dispersed, but that demonstrators remained outside the Indian building.

The demonstrators accused India of covertly supporting the Sri Lankan government and blocking a halt in the fighting.

"India is instigating this war, orchestrating it in the background. They are conducting the drama, even if the Sri Lankan government wants to pull out, they are not being allowed to," said a protester who gave his name as only as Sanjeevan.