Seeman reaches New York, denied entry

CHENNAI: Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) founder Seeman was denied entry into the US, when he arrived at the New York Airport on Saturday morning. According to party sources, immigration officials allegedly cited his pro-LTTE leanings, which in their view was a ‘threat to national security’.Seeman was not quite surprised as he had a hunch of the entry block, even before he left Chennai, according to close aide and NTK State level functionary Ayyanathan. “He (Seeman) said that he had a gut feeling that he would be forced to return. He was not in the least perturbed as he took his return flight,” he said. However, party members here are upset and have issued a strong statement condemning the US government.Seeman had departed from Chennai on Thursday night and was slated to participate in the annual meet of the World Tamil Organisation’s US Chapter in NYC, informed party sources. “He was also going to be part of several other discussions and lectures with other Tamil groups there as part of his 10-day trip,” Ayyanathan said. “Obviously he would have to discuss politics with Tamils there,” he added.Curiously, there was no problem when Seeman obtained his visa a month ago and he duly cleared his immigration checks in Chennai. But the minute he arrived in NYC from Dubai, he was allegedly stopped, Ayyanathan said. “When the Tamils who had come to receive him queried why he was not let in, they were told that he was deemed a ‘threat to national security’ because of our party’s leanings,” alleged Ayyanathan. He claimed that the Union government must have sent a directive to the US to spike Seeman’s visit; a sentiment shared by most other cadre.  While there was uproar at the NTK office after the news trickled down mid-morning, by the evening cadre from the districts began arriving there to give Seeman a rousing reception when he lands in the city at 2 am on Sunday. “We have put out a call for all Tamils to come and greet him, whatever the weather,” said a partyman from Vellore, who had arrived despite having his wedding next week. Though no further moves have been announced by the party, a release stated: “this would strengthen their will in their fight to preserve the rights of Tamils.”When contacted, officials at the US Consulate General refused comment and said that any official clarification would be made on Tuesday.