Jaya threatens to use Goondas Act against people who 'incite violence'

Chennai: Asserting that her government will not tolerate violence in the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today warned of invoking the stringent Goondas Act against those who incite trouble. Replying to a special call attention motion in the Assembly regarding last week’s violence at Marakkanam in Villupuram district, seen as targeted against Dalits, she said 10 cases had been filed in Kancheepuram and Villupuram districts in connection with the violence. [caption id=“attachment_737177” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Jayalalithaa. AFP.[/caption] PMK’s parent organisation, Vanniyar Sangam, had organised a function on April 25 at Mamallapuram and a section of those proceeding there from Puducherry were involved in violence, torching huts and government buses, besides damaging private property, Jayalalithaa said replying to a special call attention moved by the opposition parties. The organisers had flouted various assurances and undertakings given to police regarding the event and this included winding up the programme at 11.35 PM, well beyond the accepted deadline of 10 PM, she said. “Ramadoss (PMK founder leader) had stated “I am speaking at 11.30 PM… file a case and I am not bothered.” As per his wish a case has been filed and I hope he accepts his crime and also the punishment (to be awarded) by the court,” she said. She said many of those who had come for the event were drunk, even as she noted that Ramadoss, who led the entire event, argues for prohibition. “This government will never tolerate violence. Strict legal action will be taken against those who incite caste and communal violence for their own benefit and those who involve in violent acts. I assure my government will not hesitate to invoke the Goondas Act against those who disturb public peace,” she said. PTI