‘State handled Deepam issue remarkably’

 “The role of State government, Collector, South Zone Inspector General of Police, City Police Commissioner and other officials played a key role in upholding the principles of Indian Constitution by preventing the ‘fascist’ forces from disrupting peace and secularism in the State,” said People’s Watch Executive Director Henri Tiphagne. 

He addressed the SDPI gathering that was observing December 6 as ‘Black Day’ for the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. 

Mr. Tiphagne added that though they had earlier criticised the ruling government in the State for its ‘anti-people’ activities, the determination with which it handled the situation in the last four days was remarkable.

The secular forces should understand that their criticism of their activities was not to overthrow them but for the rectification of their mistakes, he noted.

“Several forces joined hands to dismantle the prevailing peace of the State but finally we have replied through our actions that it was people’s strength that is greater than any other factionist forces,” he said.  

Madurai advocate Vanchinathan speaking at the meeting said the order pronounced by the Single Bench of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court regarding lighting lamp on the stone in Thirupparankundram hills was baseless and took stand on “vague allegations made by the Hindutva forces to disrupt the peace in the State.” 

Even when the temple authorities confirmed that it was not a religious stone but one used by the British rulers to measure the surrounding hill areas, the court negated the existence of such a fact through its verdict, he added.  

Mr. Vanchinathan claimed that it was the people who bore the responsibility to once again proclaim that religion was merely an identity in front of the factional and factionist forces.