By TN Gopalan BBC Tamil Service, Chennai

	Vaiko, who is accused of sedition, is remanded until 06 November

They had addressed a public meeting a couple of days ago, denouncing the federal government for rendering arms help to the Lankan government which, they said, were decimating the Tamils there.

The pair had warned Tamil Nadu itself would secede from the Indian union if the atrocities against Lankan Tamils went on unchecked.

While Vaiko was arrested at the state capital of Chennai, his deputy Kannappan was picked up at his native village in the western part of the state.

Vaiko was later remanded in custody until 06 November.

"Instigating" Tiger supporters

The state has been witnessing some intense activities in recent weeks by Tamil nationalist groupings.

Even the ruling DMK has warned that if the Centre does not ensure a cease fire in Lanka, its MPs would be resigning from the parliament. DMK is a key constituent of India's ruling coalition.

	Jayalalitha accused TN government of instigating Tiger supporters

Another protest demonstration was held on Thursday in Chennai by the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VKC), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, a strong supporter of the Tamil Tiger rebels.

Last week there was a rally by film directors and artistes in Rameswaram when some strident speeches were made.

Only Wednesday, Jayalalithaa, the most important opposition leader, had denounced the state government for allegedly instigating Tiger supporters and described them as anti-nationals.

The state Congress too, whose support in the legislature is critical to the DMK government, has expressed its unhappiness over the frenetic activity of the Tamil nationalist elements.