Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko on Saturday described the arrest of Tamil Desiya Periyakkam functionary Kavithuvan as an attempt to curtail the freedom of speech and expression.
Asked about the his arrest in Tiruchi a few days ago for putting up posters on the killing of 20 woodcuttters , Mr. Vaiko said Mr. Kavithuvan had tried to express his feelings. His action could not be questioned as he condemned the inhuman action of killing the 20 persons. The arrest was against the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Talking to reporters here, Mr. Vaiko said that in spite of numerous protests by the farmers of Tamil Nadu against Karnataka’s decision to construct dams at Mekadatu across the Cauvery, the Central government had not taken any concrete step to stop the move.
The Centre had been a mute spectator , indirectly encouraging the Karnataka government to pursue the proposal.