Memorial for Vanniyar quota stir victims: CM

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday announced a memorial for 21 persons, who were shot dead in 1987 protest demanding reservation for Vanniyars.

“The memorial will be constructed at Villupuram at a cost of Rs 4 crore,” said Stalin, while introducing the announcement under Rule 110 of Tamil Nadu Assembly Rules.

Introducing the announcement, Stalin said that Tamil Nadu is the cradle of social justice in India as the concept of communal representation was first introduced by the Justice Party 100 years ago. Many protests have been staged at various point of time to protect the rights of backward classes and in continuation of the protests, the protest for social justice demanding 20 per cent reservation in northern districts of Tamil Nadu in 1987 was significant.

In the protest, 21 persons were shot dead and to remember their sacrifice the memorial would be constructed. “I promised to build a memorial for the 21 persons during election campaign in Vikravandi. I will not forget them,” said Stalin.

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan thanked the CM and said that though some people have forgotten the sacrifice of 21 persons, the Chief Minister has not missed to honour them. He also said that though the memorial is necessary, providing houses and employment for their family members is also the need of the hour.

PMK president GK Mani, while thanking Stalin, said that the announcement was a complete surprise for the party and is a milestone announcement in the history of social justice.

Replying to both the MLAs, the Chief Minister said that during the previous DMK rule, Rs 3 lakh was given to all the 21 families and Rs 3,000 is provided as monthly pension to them. The demand to provide employment to the families will be considered.