The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : PMK, VCK are inseparable, says Ramadoss

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PMK, VCK are inseparable, says Ramadoss

Special Correspondent

— Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy

UNITED FRONT: PMK founder S. Ramadoss and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan at the Dalit Christians political awakening seminar in Villupuram on Friday.

VILLUPURAM: The Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi have forged a strong bond that none can sever, PMK founder S. Ramadoss said here on Friday. He was addressing a social justice seminar organised in connection with the Dalit Christians Political Awakening conference, held under the aegis of the VCK.Dr. Ramadoss said both the parties had joined hands, launching the Tamil Protection Movement. “Wherever we are and in whichever alliance we are, our relationship will continue unhindered.”

The bond was further strengthened by taking up the cause of Dalit Christians together. Dr. Ramadoss said the PMK endorsed Mr. Thirumavalavan’s view that reservation should be extended to the Upper House too.

He said the PMK had been highlighting the need to extend all benefits enjoyed by the Dalits to the Dalit Christians. Initially, there was opposition to such a move from the Dalits themselves. But, after the incident at Eraiyur, where two people were killed, the demarcation between the two sections had blurred. There was a felt need for seeking common benefits and fighting discrimination in churches.

With the VCK now taking up the cause of the Dalit Christians through the conference, the issue had acquired national significance. It was a matter of concern that the Dalit Christians were sidelined in all activities of the church for centuries.

Dr. Ramadoss urged Mr. Thirumavalavan to organise similar conferences across the southern districts. Mr. Thirumavalavan said soon after the Eraiyur incident, Dr. Ramadoss had told him that it would be apt for both of them to jointly visit the affected village to restore peace and communal harmony. K. Dhanraj, MP; D. Ravikumar, MLA; and Senthamilan Selvan, Deputy General Secretary of the VCK, participated.

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