Chennai, Oct 31: Shops and other business establishments observed a 12-hour shutdown in Chennai today to protest against the ongoing conflict in Tamil dominated area of Sri Lanka.

City''s major markets including vegetable and fruit markets observed a shutdown over the issue.

The protesting traders said, they would continue to lend support to the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"It is our demand that Sri Lanka should put a stop to the war against the Tamils. We will continue to provide support for the Tamils and raise our voices against the atrocities and we are also ready to face any challenge that will come in our way," said Komagan, Secretary, Koyambedu Vegetable Market, Chennai.

Chennai, Oct 29 : Six Indian fishermen, who were reported missing off the southern coast last month and rescued by Sri Lankan fishermen, returned to Chennai safely.

The fishermen, missing off the Kasimedu coast since September 18, were stranded on the high seas after their boat ran out of fuel.

The fishermen were sighted by some Sri Lankan fishermen and were taken to Trincomallee in Sri Lanka, and later to Colombo, from where the Indian High Commission made arrangements for them to be deported to India.

The fishermen were given a warm welcome when they touched home turf.

Chennai, Oct 27: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today got an assurance from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief M Karunanidhi that he "would not precipitate" a crisis in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government over the Sri Lankan ethnic Tamils issue.

Chennai, Oct 24 : The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Friday staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha demanding arrest of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi over his alleged support to the separatist LTTE in Sri Lanka.

As soon the proceedings began, AIADMK members raised slogans demanding dismissal of the Tamil Nadu Government and arrest of Karunanidhi.

Chairman Hamid Ansari, however, disallowed their move and said that the Question Hour should be taken up.

With Ansari disallowing their move, AIADMK members staged a walkout from the House.