Thirumavalavan says

Thol, President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. Thirumavalavan requested the transfer of the case to CB-CID. |Picture source: File Photo

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan condemned police on Monday for calling the Vadakadu incident a non-species conflict. He said his party opposed seeing the incident as a mere matter of law and order.

During his party protests at Thilagar Thidal in Pudukkottai, he claimed that during the Muthumariamman Temple festival, the most backward class member (MBC) entered the small village of Vadakadu’s scheduled caste, damaged the property and was reveled by Dalit widow during the May 5 clash on May 5. He asked for the case to be transferred to CB-CID.

“Ensure Rights”

Speaking to journalists before the protest, he urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to issue guidance for collectors and police to deal with violence against pre-determined castes. “The government must intervene in court litigation to ensure the right to pre-determined caste to the disputed Ayyanar Temple land and the adjacent public space of Vadakhadu,” he said.

Mr. Thirumavalavan condemned the registration of the first information report against victims of pre-appointed caste, including college students, and demanded disciplinary action against the police concerned. “In Tamil Nadu, government officials and police often fail to respond adequately when attacking Dalits. Therefore, the Chief Minister must develop standard agreements,” he said. “Denied caste dimensions by such violence is equivalent to denying justice to the victims.”

“Moral Obligation”

In recent Supreme Court cases related to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, Mr. Tirumavarawa criticized the court’s statement that India is not a “Dharamsala” (sanctuary). He said it is a moral obligation of a country to shelter those who escape famine and conflict. The United Nations has put forward guidelines in this regard. He added that the court’s remarks violated humanitarian values.

Pudukkottai area police have denied permission to protest. However, VCK was approved by Madurai’s bench in the Madras High Court and protested as planned. It is led by Elamathi Ashokan, secretary of the Pudukkottai region of VCK.