Violence at an anti-CAA protest in Chennai days ago was due to instigation by vested interests and the agitation spilled over to several parts of Tamilnadu as people were swayed by rumours, Chief Minister K Palaniswami informed the Tamilnadu Assembly on Monday.
He said the police had to use force during the protest at Washermenpet in the city on Friday as the agitators damaged public property and pelted stones, slippers and water bottles at the police.
He was replying to a question raised by Leader of Opposition M K Stalin about force used against the protesters. Palaniswami said the protest was staged without proper prior permission and it created inconvenience to the public.
”An elderly man died of natural reasons during the night of the protest, but this was misinformed creating panic. Police had to use force only after they were subjected to attack. Those who were detained in a bus damaged the vehicle in which they were taken. Various rounds of talks were held with the leaders. Many protests have been held across the State and no untoward incidents have taken place. Miscreants are trying to create ruckus and people should not believe rumours. This government will always work for the benefit of the minorities,” he added.
The government had information that the violence at North Chennai was due to ‘instigation by some vested interests,’ he informed. The Chief Minister appealed to Muslims to shun false propaganda and mischief by vested interests and exhorted them to cooperate to safeguard social harmony.
Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who hails from North Chennai, said only after a DMK held event-in which a noted Tamil orator, also a DMK speaker, participated-violence followed.
While the government’s announcement of protecting Cauvery delta region and State budget has been welcomed by the people, there was a bid to bring a bad name to the government, he alleged. It is good that the government has taken a bold stand and it is time to unmask vested interests.