Coimbatore: The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party cadres petitioned the District Collector K Rajamani demanding action against brick kiln supporters who assaulted three MNM party members who took part in the Grama Sabha meeting held in Thadagam on Wednesday, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi. They had questioned against illegal sand mining at the meeting.
Coimbatore: The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party cadres petitioned the District Collector K Rajamani demanding action against brick kiln supporters who assaulted three MNM party members who took part in the Grama Sabha meeting held in Thadagam on Wednesday, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi. They had questioned against illegal sand mining at the meeting.
Violating Government rules, brick kiln owners in areas around Thadagam have been plundering sand upto 100 feet, using poclain instruments. This has made the foothills of the Western Ghats akin to a pit and has laso paved the way for elephant attacks on the public.
The brick kiln owners and supporters have also been threatening the residents of Thadagam area who complain or raise their voice against illegal sand mining.
At a Grama Sabha meeting held yesterday, three members of the MNM questioned the illegal sand mining that has been taking place in Thadagam. Agitated brick kiln supporters assaulted the MNM cadres Babu, Prabhu and Suresh who were then rushed to the Government Hospital for treatment.
Following this assault, the MNM cadres led by the Vice President of the party, Mahendran visited the District Collectorate and the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore and filed a petition complaining against the brick kiln supporters.
Addressing the media, the MNM Vice President Mahendran said that his party members were attacked because they questioned on illegal sand mining at the Grama Sabha Meeting held at Chinna Thadagam. He noted that the policemen who were there at the time of the incident were mere spectators and the Thadagam police were refusing to register the complaint.
"The assault has taken place in the presence of many, and the concerned perpetrators should be subjected to action," he said. The President of the MNM party, Kamal Hasaan spoke to the injured party cadres and warned authorities that if no action was taken on this issue, then the next step will be taken after consultation within MNM cadres.