"There may be difference of opinion regarding Sri Lankan Government's action against Tamils living in that country, but that should not come in the way of people-to-people relationship between the two countries," CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat said. "It is unfortunate the incident has taken place in Tamil Nadu," he told reporters here.

"Whether they are tourists or pilgrims or sportsmen, good relationship should be maintained between the peoples of the two countries," he said. People-to-People relationship between the two countries should be "friendly and harmonious", he added. Some 178 Lankan pilgrims on a visit to the state were targeted thrice by pro-Tamil outfits on Monday and Tuesday. The pilgrims faced two protests and an attack on three buses carrying them to the Tiruchirapalli airport.