CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Mondt said inter-caste marriages of couples facing resistance from families could be conducted in CPI(M) party offices across the state.
“We conducted a marriage in our office in Tirunelveli, and the bride’s relatives ransacked the office. But we continue to support inter-caste marriages. Progressive forces exist in all communities and we must identify and organise them. Only then can we form a united front against casteist elements,” he said at a meeting against caste killings in Chennai.
Mr Shanmugam noted that although former CPI(M) Legislative Party leader A. Soundararajan introduced a bill seeking special law to deal with caste killings in the Assembly in 2015, it was defeated. “There is a misunderstanding between intermediate communities and Scheduled Castes, which has often resulted in the killing of young couples. A law must be enacted to prevent honour killings done in the name of caste pride,” he said.
He added that he, along with CPI State secretary R. Mutharasan and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, had already met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to urge him to enact such a law. “We explained the situation to the Chief Minister for 30 minutes and felt he was in favour of our demand. He should bring in the legislation in the next Assembly session.”
Mr Shanmugam claimed Tirunelveli district alone had witnessed 240 such murders in a year, calling the situation “totally out of control.” “Now, there is growing public support for a law, and the government should seize the opportunity,” he said.
Published – August 26, 2025 01:47 am IST
