Responding to questions raised on multiple cases of police action against protesters across the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami claimed that it has become 'fashionable' for women and children to take part in agitations.
According to ToI, the CM, who was talking on the floor of the Assembly, defended police excesses against protesters and said that they cannot be faulted for ensuring law and order.
His statement reportedly came after legislature party leader K R Ramasamy said, "It is due to the failure of the government in resolving issues concerning public that they resort to agitations, resulting in breakdown of law and order. The government should make its policy on liquor shops clear."
The government however intervened to state that there was no change in its policy towards total prohibition and that it could be implemented only in phases. Palaniswami said, "Police followed rules while dispersing the crowd in Tirupur and they are not at fault. Only the video of a policeman slapping a woman has been shown by TV channels. The policeman was trying to rescue an MLA who was held hostage by the people".
But that was not the only instance of police action against women. Last week, in Kathiramangalam, protesters were lathi charged by police for refusing to allegedly allow maintenance work to be conducted on an ONGC pipeline. The villagers refused to allow ONGC officials to fix a pipeline in the area till they were given an assurance by the collector that the oil from the leak will not damage their fields and the ground water further.