The Hindu : Front Page : Violence mars Thevar centenary celebrations

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Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007
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Violence mars Thevar centenary celebrations

S. Vijay Kumar

— Photo: S. James

PAYING HOMAGE: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at the Muthuramalinga Thevar memorial at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram.

PASUMPON: Amidst unprecedented security arrangements, the centenary celebrations of Muthuramalinga Thevar were held at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa were among those who paid tributes at the Thevar memorial.

Thousands of people from the southern districts thronged Pasumpon to pay homage to the late leader. Though a large number of police personnel were deployed at vantage points, incidents of violence and stone throwing at vehicles were reported in many areas. Tension gripped parts of Ramanathapuram districts late on Tuesday.

Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) K. Vijay Kumar and other senior police officials were camping in the area.

At least 20 buses, including those belonging to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, were damaged when different groups indulged in stone throwing at Paramakudi, Parthibanur, Mudukulathur and Virudhunagar. Supporters of the AIADMK staged a road blockade near Paramakudi after the convoy of Ms. Jayalalithaa was held up in a traffic jam. DMK party flags and flexboards were targeted along the route.

In a couple of places, provocative slogans raised by some persons returning from the memorial resulted in stone-throwing incidents. A few passengers travelling in buses were injured and referred to nearby hospitals. Business establishments on all roads leading to Pasumpon were closed. Despite restrictions, youths carrying clubs were seen travelling atop vehicles.

Teacher attacked

In Mudukulathur, a school teacher was attacked by “unidentified” persons. He suffered a grievous head injury and his condition was said to be “critical” at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. A majority of men in Keezha Kanniseri (where M. Krishnasswamy, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president, was stabbed on Monday night) were absconding when police raided the village early on Tuesday.

Ms. Jayalalithaa laid the foundation stone for a 100-foot-high statue of Muthuramalinga Thevar at Poovanthi in Sivaganga district. The event was organised by the All India Moovendar Munnani Kazhagam led by N. Sethuraman.

Many organisations arranged a feast for visitors at Pasumpon. “The situation is under control. We have not received any complaint with regard to stone throwing at vehicles. Police personnel have been deployed at vulnerable places,” Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar said.

Convoy intercepted

In Vandiyur near Madurai, a man intercepted the convoy of Ms. Jayalalithaa and clung on to her vehicle for some distance. Security personnel apprehended A. Nagaraj (30) of Kondayampatti who was injured in the incident. Intelligence officials whisked him away for interrogation. “A case has been registered against him on charges of negligent act,” a police official said.

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