Tension rises in Tindivanam as supporters of Ramadoss and Anbumani clash over memorial event

VILLUPURAM: Tensions flared at Tindivanam town as supporters of PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, who was expelled from the party by the founder, clashed over preparations for a memorial event at the office of Vanniyar Sangam, PMK’s parent outfit.

The preparations were to observe the anniversary of the protest demanding reservation for the backward classes held on Sept 17, 1987, in which 21 people were shot dead. The disagreement between the two groups about access to the office sparked controversy and unrest in the town.Anbumani’s supporters reached the office on Friday morning, and Ramadoss’s supporters prevented them from entering the office and locked it, leading to a wordy duel between the two groups.

Soon, the members of the two groups started pushing and pulling each other and nearly came to exchanging blows. A police team reached the spot on time and prevented a clash between the two groups.The police team brought the members of both sides to the Tindivanam police station and later to the DSP’s office for mediation, but tensions remained high. Amidst the dispute, supporters of Ramadoss raised slogans against PMK MLA C Sivakumar, elected from Mailam constituency, at the DSP office, causing further disturbance.

Both sides lodged complaints against each other. The district police posted additional security at the office to prevent further escalation.

The anniversary event commemorates the tragic deaths of 21 activists who were killed in police firing during the 1987 agitation for reservation by the Vanniyar Sangam. The office traditionally hosts memorial tributes, but this year’s ceremony has become the focal point for intra-party conflict following the recent expulsion of Anbumani Ramadoss from the PMK.