Jallikattu protests: Opposition reiterates demand for probe into police action
Chennai: Opposition parties including the PMK and PWA dismissed the explanation of Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on the police action against the jallikattu protesters on Marina and sought an enquiry into the incidents.
PMK said that some forces which wanted to show that the protests are their own and failed entered the agitations to divert them. But, PWA leaders asked if CM O. Panneerselvam is in control of police department, since the police officers were repeating what a BJP leader had said about the agitations.
PMK founder S. Ramadoss said Panneerselvam had repeated what the police officers had already said. The state government is trying to cover up the policemen’s violence, which had sufficient video evidence, he alleged and cited the video clippings of police setting fire to huts and vehicles, besides throwing stones at the people. If the Chief Minister believed that police did not commit mistakes, he should recommend a CBI probe, he demanded.
CPM, CPI and VCK held protests throughout the state demanding judicial probe into the police action. CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said Panneerselvam had read the police version in the Assembly is yet to enquire about the police atrocities.
Panneerselvam had only quoted an individual Aadhi as evidence for infiltration of anti-nationals. The Chief Minister is relying on the statement of an individual to justify the police action. Aadhi had repeated what a BJP leader had said earlier. Coimbatore police commissioner Amalraj had listed organisations fighting for social cause as if they are banned outfits. He had repeated what a BJP leader had already said. Is the Chief Minister in control of police or somebody outside controlling it, he asked.
The Chief Minister said anti-nationals and anti-social elements had entered the protests, but there was no violence in Marina even as per his statement or that of police officials.
Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan alleged that state terrorism had been let loose on people who protested democratically and said policemen should stop the continuing protests.
