Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan’s visit to Bomminaickanpatti village near Periyakulam on Saturday got off to a rocky start, with residents initially refusing to meet him. They were angry that his visit came more than a week after their village witnessed clashes between Dalits and Muslims.
Questioning the purpose of the VCK leader’s “delayed visit”, a woman resident of the village said, “We were attacked, our houses were torched and household items damaged. All the Dalit men of the village fled to safety. Women were languishing in fear. No one came to our rescue. There was no one to protect us or support us in reviving our livelihood. We did not get any assistance from the government.”
The VCK chief, however, managed to convince the villagers to attend a meeting, during which he assured them that he would speak to the government to get their demands fulfilled. Later, he visited the local mosque and held discussions with Muslims. Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Thirumavalavan said he had convinced both the communities to live together peacefully. Peace talks should be held only after all the arrested persons were released, he said.
On Friday evening, BJP cadre staged a demonstration in Theni in support of the Hindu Dalits who were affected by the clashes, and criticised the VCK leader for not visiting the village sooner.
