The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is behind the “orchestrated violence” against Dalits in Dharmapuri district, alleged Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Friday, and demanded a CBI inquiry.
“It was a premeditated attack and I hold the PMK responsible. It was aimed at arresting the party’s decline. The Vanniyar Sangam, one of the arms of the PMK, brought together other castes against the Dalits and went on the rampage,” he told reporters here.
Though the VCK and the PMK are not part of an alliance, the two parties have worked together on various issues, including the Sri Lankan Tamil problem, and sought to bring about unity between Dalits and Vanniyars. The recent violence has caused friction in their relationship.
Mr. Thirumavalavan wanted PMK founder S. Ramadoss to intervene and prevent such incidents, which did not augur well for his efforts to create a pan-Tamil identity for his party and popular movements in support of social justice and Sri Lankan Tamils.
The violence against Dalits in Dharmapuri was different from earlier incidents elsewhere as in Dharmapuri the objective was to loot Dalits’ belongings and destroy their property. “Dalits are gaining economic empowerment, building houses and wearing good clothes. The casteist elements could not digest their growth and sought to destroy their economic empowerment.”
Mr. Thirumavalavan said those responsible for the violence should be booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and kept in judicial custody till charge sheet is filed.
The VCK will organise demonstrations in Chennai on November 19 and in Dharmapuri on November 21 demanding a CBI inquiry and creation of a separate intelligence unit for monitoring communal unity.
