The Chennai police on Sunday banned the Dravidar Kazhagam’s ‘Thali’ removal and beef-eating festivals scheduled for April 14 at the Periyar Thidal, apprehending that it will disturb public order and hurt the sentiments of a community.
The events were called for by DK president K. Veeramani at a public meeting last month as retaliation to the attack on a television channel that had proposed to telecast a debate on the relevance of ‘Thali’ in a modern society.
In a statement here, Mr. Veeramani said the DK will approach the courts for a legal remedy.
The order issued by the police said an order under the Tamil Nadu City Police Act was already in force banning all forms of public protests between April 9 and April 24. Though the law says permission could be given to protests despite ban if proper approval is sought, the DK had approached the police for consent.
In the meantime, about 25 complaints from Hindu organisations and individuals were received by the police against the events and had sought a ban claiming it hurt their sentiments. The DK, on the other hand, invited the public to participate in both the events.
No political support
While sources in the DK said they expected the order banning the event, they were a little unsure why no mainstream political party had come out in support of the events.
“Even the Dravidian parties have remained silent. We hope they at least come out against this ban, if not in support of the ‘Thali’ removal programme,” a leader said.
