Murugesan, a Dalit panchayat president of Melavalavu, who along with six others was brutally killed by caste Hindus (Kallar) on June 30, 1997, was in a way responsible for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) entering electoral politics, its leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said on Thursday.
“In a way, Murugesan was responsible for VCK to enter electoral politics. We had to protest to bury the victims,” Mr. Thirumavalavan said after paying respects at ‘Viduthalai Kalam’, a memorial built for the victims of the massacre, on the 25th anniversary. He presented clothes to families of the victims and named new-borns.
“The difference between other tragedies (involving Dalits) and this massacre is important. In Kilvenmani, the murders happened because of a protest for wage hike. In Villupuram, the murders happened due to a flare up. But in Melavalavu, the murders took place because a Dalit wanted to contest elections in a reserved seat,” he said.
