Tamils mourn Amma’s demise

Tirupati: A pall of gloom descended on the towns and villages in Chittoor district bordering Tamil Nadu following the demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa fondly called by them as Amma. In several places including Nagari, Puttur and Tirupati, followers put up the portrait of Amma at street corners and offered floral tributes to their beloved leader.

In the pilgrim city, a group of AIDMK activists gathered at Nehru Street junction where they put up the portrait of Amma along with MGR, to mourn the death of Amma who left an indelible mark in the hearts of people of Tamil Nadu. An activist Mani said that they were shocked at the demise of Amma.

It is an irreparable loss to Tamil community, he said. A condolence meeting was held in Dr Ambedkar Global Law Institute here where speakers including the institute chairman and director R Thippa Reddy paid rich tributes to Amma. The institute declared holiday on Tuesday.

In a release, the Congress party State secretary K Pramilamma said that Amma is an eternal source of inspiration to scores of women particularly those in public life. She recalled the services of Amma to the poor and also her struggle in politics and called her a brave and bold woman.