Chennai: The rally to be held on June 11 by outfits urging the Centre to release the seven convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will start from Rajarathinam stadium in Egmore in the city, instead of Vellore prison.
The organisers had planned the rally from Vellore prison where the seven convicts had been lodged. But, police cited law and order problems, besides issues of traffic congestion, if the rally crossed three districts and instructed the organisers to confine it to the city.
Various political parties including MDMK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Thamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi besides Tamil nationalist outfits like Naam Thamizhar movement, May 17 movement would participate in the rally Leading film directors, Tamil writers, poets and literary personalities would also participate in the rally.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, who announced his party's participation in the rally, hit out at the BJP government for not releasing the seven convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and said the Centre was not respecting the sentiments of Tamil Nadu people.
He pointed out that Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution demanding the release of seven convicts. Even after the State government's plea, not releasing the seven convicts was an injustice, he said.
In a statement here, he said the release of the seven convicts was a long time demand of VCK and its cadre would attend the rally to St.. George Fort on June 11. He recalled that his party had held a conference and conducted several protests to press for the demand.
