Memorial day of Dalit leader passes off peacefully

Paramakudi: The memorial day of Dalit leader Immanuel Sekar, which had sparked off violence in 2011 and 2012, in which 16 persons were killed, passed off peacefully amidst heavy deployment of police in Ramanthapuram district. Police said strict security measures put in place ensured there were no incidents. Besides prohibitory orders being clamped, around 15,000 personnel were deployed in the district. Sixty closed ciruit cameras were installed at vantage points and checkposts set up at 12 entry points. Local educational institutions were also ordered closed. They said a remote controlled spy glider developed by Anna University was deployed to monitor the town and helped them monitor the situation effectively. Leaders, who wished to pay homage at the memorial, were allowed to proceed only after issue of special passes, they said.

Among those who paid homage at the memorial were Lok Janshakti leader Ram Vilas Paswan, Tamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam president John Pandian and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Tirumavalavan. PTI