Even after many months after judgment in Vaachathi case
was pronounced by the Dharmapuri Court, the victims are yet to get
compensation from Tamil Nadu government. It is absolutely shameful and
outrageous, said Brinda Karat, Polit Buro member of the Communist Party
of India (Marxist) here on Sunday.
Speaking to
reporters here on the sidelines of the sixth State-level Conference of
the Tamil Nadu Tribal Association, she said that “both the Dravidian
parties, — the DMK and the AIADMK — had not been on the side of the
victims, but they have been unfortunately on the side of those who had
sought to cover up this case’’. The government is spending crores of
rupees for several schemes, but continues to deny compensation to the
Vaachathi victims.
The government is keen to protect
those who are responsible for the crime and also cover up this crime.
The message of the government is that even if they (Vaachathi victims)
fight for 20 years to get the judgment in the court of law, nothing will
happen, because the government is powerful, hence, fighting against it
will prove futile, she adds. She said that the message of CPI (M) is
that it fought for 20 years to get the judgement, proved correct by
every single enquiry and therefore, the party will fight, because it is
not a question of money, it is a question of dignity and it is a shame
on the part of Tamil Nadu Government and their attitude, she adds.
Slams government attitude
She
said that the office-bearers of the TNTA met the Minister concerned
during April, and he had categorically assured them that the issue would
be considered within a month, but nothing happened after that; the
victims were cheated, it is a shame on the part of Tamil Nadu government
and their attitude, she said.
Periyar’s movement
Tamil Nadu was a symbol of social reforms, in defence of marginalised communities.
“What
was the social reform led by the Thanthai Periyar? What was the value
for Periyar’s movement? It was to defend the rights of the marginalised
community. But today, the government speaks in a name of Dravidian
culture exploiting the most marginalised and vulnerable Malayalee tribal
community.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist)
salute the people of Vaachathi, they sent a message to not only the
tribal people of Tamil Nadu but to the entire tribal people living in
the country that “do not compromise injustice’’ she added.
Atrocities
meted out to the Tamils in Sri Lanka should be investigated by a
credible Commission of Enquiry and those responsible must be punished,
demanded Ms. Karat, Politburo Member of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist) here on Sunday.
The issue of Tamils facing in Sri Lanka is a grave concern.
The
CPI (M) showing great concern over this and demanding that the Sri
Lankan government should find out a political solution on the basis of
the protection of the rights of the Tamils without any delay.
The
party also demands that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance
Government at the centre should take immediate initiative and have a
clear vision, there should not be any oscillation, as it will not help
in this situation., she adds. Main issue here is how to look at the problem and how to approach the problem politically. The
union government should have consistent stand to ensure justice for the
Tamils living in Sri Lanka and also ensure that the guilty should be
punished, Ms. Karat said.
(Courtesy : The Hindu)
