The Communist Party of India on Saturday demanded the State government to prevent the arrest of innocent people in connection with the Paramakudi riot.
Speaking to ‘The Hindu,' R. Nallakannu, senior leader of CPI, who led a five-member team to enquire into the police firing, said that the police had incorporated around 1,000 unknown persons as accused in connection with the riot.
When the team visited various villages, majority of the villagers being Dalits, the residents expressed apprehension over the frequent visit of police in the name of enquiry. It had created fear and panic among them. The police should not arrest them unnecessarily. It should not precipitate the issue further. Instead, the State government must start confidence building measures.
While condemning the police firing, Mr. Nallakannu said that the affected people and relatives of those killed had told the team that none of those killed received injuries below the knee. They were targeted above the waist. It had indicated that the police did not mind the life of the people. Tough action must be initiated against the responsible officers.
Stating that the all sections of the people and political parties had equal responsibility to maintain peace in the region, he said the CPI would organise state-wide fast in all the district headquarters.
While highlighting the poor economic background of those killed, Mr. Nallakannu said that the compensation announced by the State government was extremely low. It should be enhanced to atleast Rs.5 lakh each.
Earlier the team visited various villages in and around Paramakudi and met the relatives of those killed.