In the wake of continuous protests in the city over a controversial anti-Islamic film, the American consulate here has closed down its visa section and library for two days.
A US spokesman told Express on Monday that the visa section will be closed for appointments on Monday and Tuesday and emergency services will be offered to US citizens. “We have notified all the applicants through phone and SMS. Persons with appointments are being notified for rescheduling dates,” he said. Around 1,000 applicants visit the consulate every day.
Similarly, the American Library will remain closed on both these days. Earlier, the consulate had issued a travel advisory asking its citizens travelling in and around Chennai to exercise caution and monitor local media for security updates. The decision to close the visa section was taken on Sunday. It comes in the wake of security of the US consulate being breached on Friday when a mob attacked the premises and pelted stones.
To a query on whether the consulate has expressed its concern to the state government over the breach of security, the spokesman declined to comment.
VCK Demands Apology
Meanwhile, activists of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Jananayaga Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam staged demonstrations against the anti-Islam film, ‘Innocence of Muslims.’ Led by its leader and Lok Sabha MP Thirumavalavan, VCK cadre gathered near the State guesthouse at Chepauk and raised slogans against US President Barrack Obama. Addressing the gathering, Thirumavalavan demanded that the l film be banned and that Obama issue an apology.
Meanwhile, about 100 members of Jananayaga Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam gathered near Tarapore Towers on Anna Salai. Raising slogans, they tried to march towards the US consulate, but were stopped by police. Their attempt to burn an effigy of Obama was also thwarted.
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