KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of people, including Tamil MPs from both sides of the political divide, gathered at Batu Caves temple yesterday to protest against the mass killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The protest, organised by the World Tamil Relief Fund and several non-governmental organisations, also condemned the Sri Lankan government and the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said the rally was not meant to support any militant groups, but to show concern for innocent Tamil civilians victimised by the war in northern Sri Lanka.

"We urge the international community including Malay-sia to not support the Sri Lankan government and to help the Tamil community there to live peacefully.

"We call for the Sri Lankan government to be charged with war crimes for killing innocent civilians," said Saravanan.

The protest started around 10am and ended about 1pm, without incident. It was carried out without a police permit, despite warnings by the Selangor police against it.

Several policemen in plainclothes were seen monitoring the situation but no arrests were made.

Participants were seen carrying banners and placards highlighting the plight of innocent lives lost and condemning the Sri Lankan government.

Some also carried banners glorifying LTTE's late commander, Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Among those present were Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, Teluk Intan MP M. Manogaran and MIC Youth adviser S. Vel Paari.