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MDMK accuses Centre of double standards

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI JULY 11. At a meeting here to mark one year of detention of the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, under the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, MDMK and DMK leaders condemned the misuse of the Act by the State Government and the inaction on the part of the Union Government.

Mr. Vaiko was held for his controversial "pro-LTTE" speech at Tirumangalam in Madurai district more than a year ago.

M. Kannappan, Union Minister, said in the case of the former Punjab Chief Minister, Prakash Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor was summoned to Delhi and asked for a report on the efforts by the Congress Government to put Mr. Badal behind bars.

Following violence during West Bengal local body elections, the Centre sent a team to the State to investigate the incident. This was after the Trinamool Congress insisted that the Centre take action.

But no such action was taken when the DMK president, M.Karunanidhi, was arrested and later when Mr.Vaiko was imprisoned under the POTA. This was despite the serious action taken by the coalition partners, the MDMK and the DMK. The stock response from the Centre was that the law and order was a State subject and it could not be interfered with.

L.Ganesan, presidium chairman, and Gingee R.Ramachandran, former Union Minister, said whatever plan of action decided by Mr.Karunanidhi would be followed in letter and spirit by the MDMK. Any action to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law would be supported, he said.

Vaiko meets cadres

Our Vellore Staff Reporter reports

Mr. Vaiko spent a quiet day in the Vellore Central prison with a small number of lower-level party functionaries.

The callers included Sivagangai Ganesan, headquarters speaker, and P.N.Udayakumar, executive committee member hailing from Arcot. They told newspersons that Mr.Vaiko appeared mentally strong and cheerful.

With the day observed as `Thyaga Thirunaal' (the day of sacrifice) to mark the completion of one year of incarceration of its leader, most of the party VIPs fanned out to Chennai, Madurai and other cities to address special meetings.

In Vellore district, a human chain was organised at Gudiyatham, condemning the prolonged imprisonment and demanding Mr. Vaiko's early release.

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