Aainthu Hindu Iyakka Koottamaippu, a joint platform of various Hindu organisations, has called for a hartal on Friday in Coimbatore, Tirupur, and the Nilgiris districts in protest against the recent attacks on Hindu activists.
In a statement here, the organisation said that those carrying out violent acts against Hindu activists must be detained under the National Security Act.
An idol at a temple in Kuniamuthur was damaged on March 8, the house of Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) founder-president Arjun Sampath was attacked on March 13, and activists of Hindu organisations in the Nilgiris were assaulted, the release said.
In a statement here, CPI district secretary M. Arumugam said that the incidents in Coimbatore and Conoor in recent days have caused tension between two communities.
Welcoming the efforts of the district administration and the police to maintain peace, he urged them to involve political parties in their endeavours.
Calling for an impartial investigation into the recent incidents, Mr. Arumugam said that real culprits must be arrested at the earliest.
He said that rallies and public meetings must be banned for at least a month for frayed tempers to cool down.
City Police Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan said that stringent action would be taken against anyone found to be forcing shop keepers to down shutters or disturbing peace.
He said that six individuals found pasting posters asking shop owners to down shutters were detained on Wednesday.
The police have registered cases of unlawful assembly, promoting communal animosity, wrongful confinement, abduction, and criminal intimidation against 10 persons on Wednesday.
The police said R. Arun (19), and his friend Pandiyarajan were abducted in an autorickshaw by Abdul Latif (33) of Karumbukadai, Bargathulla, Asath Nagar Bazeer, Asath Nagar Sabeer.
They were taken to a place near Manitha Naya Makkal Katchi office at Ukkadam, the police said. Abdul Latif has been arrested.
