Periyar statue vandalised in Tamil Nadu amid Rajini row
Chennai, Jan 24: A statue of rationalist leader E V Ramasamy 'Periyar' was found vandalised in neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Friday with political leaders in Tamil Nadu condemning it and demanding stern action against the culprits.
The statue at Salavakkam was found damaged on Friday morning, causing a flutter in the locality, police said.
The state police warned of "strong action" against anti-social elements involving in vandalising statues of Periyar or other leaders.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a renewed debate on Periyar in Tamil Nadu, after superstar Rajinikanth last week had made some remarks about a 1971 rally taken out by the Dravidian stalwart.
Taking part at an event held by Tamil magazine 'Thuglak' on January 14, Rajinikanth had alleged: "In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which the undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandra Murthy and Sita -with a garland of sandal- (were) featured...."
His comments drew the ire of pro-Periyar outfits and political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and DMK, in Tamil Nadu which hold the late leader in high esteem.
The actor, who is expected to float his political party ahead of assembly elections next year, had refused to apologise as demanded by some Dravidian outfits, maintaining what he said was factual.
Condemning the vandalisation, DMK President M K Stalin on Friday said damaging the statue of Periyar who had "strived for Tamils and Tamil Nadu for 95 years was shameful and regrettable."
The state government must take due action, he told reporters here.
Director General of Police L K Tripathy "has warned police will take very strong action against anti-social elements who vandalise statue of Thanthai Periyar or statues of other leaders in the state," a police source said.
PMK founder leader S Ramadoss expressed concern over the incident and said it will harm general peace.
Of late, such incidents have been recurring in the state, he said adding anyone who hold contrarian views to that of Periyar should only express their opinions but not resort to such vandalism which was unacceptable.
He demanded the arrest of culprits behind the act.
CPI state secretary R Mutharasan and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran also condemned the vandalism and demanded proper action.
Statue of Dravidian icon #Periyar damaged in #TamilNadu amid a row between Dravidian outfits and actor #Rajinikanth . The statue in Chengalpattu was found damaged on Friday morning.#RajiniPeriyarRow #Periyar @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/jPSnoF6clP
— Sivapriyan E.T.B (@sivaetb) January 24, 2020
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Deeply concerned: India on drone strike near UAE's Barakah nuclear plant
New Delhi (PTI): India on Monday voiced deep concern over a drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it marked a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.
New Delhi's reaction came a day after a drone struck a generator near the Gulf nation's sole nuclear power plant, sparking a fire on the complex's perimeter.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. The UAE's Ministry of Defence said it is working to determine the source of the drone strike.
The incident triggered fears of a sharp escalation in tensions across West Asia.
"India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
"Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation. We urgently call for restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," it said.
