A P J Abdul Kalam's brother turns 100

Rameswaram (TN): Former President A P J Abdul Kalam's elder brother, APJ Mohammed Muthumeeran Maraickaiyar turned 100 today, with people from various walks of life greeting him on the occasion.

Scientist-colleagues of late Kalam, celebrities, and politicians, including Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) leader G K Vasan, took part in the birthday celebrations of the centenarian in this island town, the native of Kalam's family.

Scientists Rajan, businessman VGP Santosham, film actor Vivek were among those who greeted Maraickaiyar, the eldest member of Kalam's family.
Speaking to reporters, Vasan said his party would contest the coming local body elections in the state alone.

He also said "a like-minded party" would merge with TMC on November 10.

However, he declined to name the party, saying it would be known on Nov 10.

On the contentious issue of fishing in Palk Strait and recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy, Vasan charged the state and central governments with not taking interest in resolving the long-pending problem.