PMK Leader Demands Jobs for Families of 1987 Vanniyar Agitation Victims

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to extend government jobs to the families of those killed in police firing during the Vanniyar reservation agitation of 1987, drawing a parallel to recent relief provided to kin of the Karur stampede victims.

In a statement, Ramadoss welcomed the government's compassion shown in the Karur case but insisted that such assistance should not be limited to one instance. He called for similar relief to be given to all families who suffered in similar circumstances across different periods.

Specifically, he highlighted the plight of families of 25 people who died during the week-long road blockade agitation that began on September 17, 1987. This includes 21 individuals killed in police firing and others who died due to various forms of repression, according to the PMK leader.

“The families of those who were shot dead during the reservation agitation have every right to receive government employment and other forms of assistance. The government has both the duty and responsibility to provide them,” Ramadoss stated.

The Vanniyar reservation agitation was a significant movement in Tamil Nadu demanding reservation for the Vanniyar community. The 1987 protests turned violent, leading to police action and multiple casualties. The state government has not yet responded to the demand.