We are not for political retaliation, says Jayalalithaa

By Radha Venkatesan

CHENNAI, AUG. 29. The Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa, today asserted that the ruling AIADMK would not back any ``act of political vendetta''.

Though 20 AIADMK men had been killed in election- related hostilities in the past three months, the ruling party, realising its responsibility, had chosen not to make an issue of it, the Chief Minister told the Assembly.

``For, had we retaliated, the peace in the State would have been disturbed,'' she said, asserting that the AIADMK would not support any ``such political retaliation''.

Responding to a calling attention motion on the clashes at Mannadi here over inadequate water supply on August 27, the Chief Minister stoutly refuted the INL member, Abdul Latheef's impassioned charge that the minorities were being specifically targeted and victimised during the AIADMK regime too for their ``electoral decisions''.

Urging Mr. Latheef not to make such statements, the Chief Minister said such ``exaggerations will only create unneccessary trouble and controversies''.

As for the Mannadi clashes, the Chief Minister said the residents of Angappanaicken Street staged a demonstration around 10.30 p.m, protesting non-supply of water. The police rushed to the area and pacified them.

Later in the afternoon, when residents of Rave Street objected to alleged diversion of a water tanker to Angappanaicken street, tension erupted. Immediately, police personnel rushed there to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, a gang allegedly led by DMK functionaries attacked 14 vehicles and ransacked 5 shops on Angappanaicken Street. And, two persons suffered minor injuries.

Police investigation showed that there was no truth in the complaint that one Ramjed Beevi was molested. The Flower Bazaar Police had adopted Rave Street now and a police out station set up there. Six persons had been arrested in connection with the incident, she said.

Earlier, in an emotional harangue, Mr.Latheef said ``vengeful violence'' had been unleashed on the minorities, exploiting the water crisis.

However, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. K. Anbazhagan, insisted that the clashes occurred only because of the water crisis and not because of any political motive. But the DMK men alone had been taken into custody, he said.

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Section  : Southern States
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