Anti-nationals infiltrated Jallikattu protests, says CM

‘SOME HELD OSAMA PICTURES, GAVE R-DAY BOYCOTT CALL’

Blaming“anti-national,antisocialandextremistelements”for infiltrating the pro-jallikattu protests and the subsequent violence, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday said the “evil forces” that had attempted to divert the peaceful agitation would be identified and tried before law.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said such persons had made the students “unable to rejoice the legal steps taken for the conduct of Jallikattu, for which they (the protesters) had made a contribution”.

“Anti-national, anti-social and extremist elements had infiltrated the protests held by students, youth and public for the conduct of Jallikattu. These persons diverted the peaceful movement, did not allow the protesters to disperse, attacked policemen and endangered public life and property by indulging in violence,” he said.

However, despite provocations,likebeingpeltedwithstones and attacked by mobs, the police maintained restraint, used “minimum force” and never resorted to firing or lathicharge, the chief minister said. “I wish to point out that the police used minimum forceandprotectedpubliclifeand property,” he added.

Panneerselvam gave a detailed statement in the Assembly, after Opposition Leader MK Stalin sought the chief minister’s response to the “lathicharge” and how the protests turned violent.

He said police had received information that some of the protesters wanted to prolong the stir till Republic Day, adding that they wanted to “show black flags and create problems” on January 26, besides creating disruptions.

“Some even raised separate Tamil Nadu demands and there is photographic proof of some holding pictures of Osama Bin Laden with accompanying Boycott Republic Day slogans,” Panneerselvam said, adding that many “objectionable” remarks were also made.

He assured the House that action will be taken against the “evil forces” behind the violence.

Panneerselvam said one of thepro-jallikattuvoices,musician ‘Hip-hop Tamizha’ Aadhi, had expressed anguish over unwanted elementsenteringtheprotestand insulting the Tricolour.

A total of 12,500 people staged road roko across 76 locations in the city protesting police action against the anti-social elements, he said. Scores of police, Fire and Rescue Services, government and public vehicles were damaged in the violence, Panneerselvam said, adding that a total of 66 cases have been registered and 215 people arrested in this regard.

‘These persons diverted the peaceful movement’