CPM seeks release of cadres over clashes with BJP men

Dindigul: The CPM, led by MPs in Madurai and Dindigul, on Saturday held protests in their respective districts after several party cadres were injured in a clash with BJP and Hindu Munnani members at a street-corner meeting organised by the party on Friday at Thadikombu in Dindigul. Based on complaints from both parties, police arrested people from both sides and remanded them on Saturday.

The altercation occurred on Friday morning, at one of the meetings organised as part of a statewide public campaign by CPM in Thadikombu to highlight people's demands and criticise Union govt policies. An argument ensued between CPM cadres and BJP-Hindu Munnani members who were nearby over criticism regarding the Murugan devotees conference in Madurai. The verbal confrontation escalated into a scuffle. Tensions rose again near Dindigul govt medical college hospital where the injured were taken. Police finally dispersed the crowd and detained several cadres from CPM, BJP, and Hindu Munnani.

CPM state secretary P Shanmugam condemned the arrest of CPM cadres in this connection. "BJP and Hindu Munnani cadres were the ones engaging in violent acts that led to our cadres being hospitalised. Hindu Munnani members are trying to create a distraction and even going as far as labelling us as extremists. People of Tamil Nadu know who really engages in hate and communal extremism for political gain," he said.

The senior CPM leader demanded immediate release of the arrested cadres and action against all BJP and HM cadres responsible for the assault. In Madurai, MP Su Venkatesan condemned the Murugan devotees conference being held in Madurai saying religious hate politics of the BJP must be rejected.