Chennai: Stating that an inquiry has been ordered over the display of slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's photo during the students' protest for jallikattu at Marina, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam informed that he had not attributed the incident to any particular community.
“I had stated (in the Assembly on Jan. 27) that the photo of Osama bin Laden was shown during the pro-jallikattu protest. I had not attributed it to any particular community. Investigation is on as to who had displayed the photo.
The truth will be known only thereafter,” Mr Panneerselvam said on Monday in reply to the issue raised by Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK) member Thamimun Ansari.
Speaking on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the Assembly Ansari referred to the incident and claimed that the photo of Osama was displayed on a two-wheeler during the protest. “The Muslims in the state don't support Osama. I would like to say on behalf of Muslims that we wish to live like brothers and sisters with everyone,” he said, prompting the CM to respond.
While explaining the incidents that led to violence during the pro-jallikattu protests on Jan. 23, Mr Panneerselvam had said “anti-national, anti-social and extremist elements” had infiltrated the movement. Picture of Bin Laden with “Boycott Republic Day” slogans were noticed during the protests.
