JOIN USTension prevailed in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday following the appearance of posters that threatened Kannadigas living in the state if All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J Jayalalitha, jailed in a disproportionate assets case, was not released.
People were shocked to see a huge poster, allegedly put up by AIADMK cadres near the Alwarpet area in Chennai, demanding the immediate release of Jayalalitha, and saying that Kannadigas would otherwise be held hostage in Tamil Nadu.
“Warning...warning... Karnataka High Court, which delivered injustice, should release Jayalalitha immediately, otherwise we will hold hostage Kannadigas living in Tamil Nadu,” said the poster.
It also contained the names of state Social Welfare Minister B Valarmathi and senior party leader and T Nagar legislator V P Kalairajan, besides those of senior party functionaries from South Chennai. However, after coming to know about it, the Tamil Nadu Police acted swiftly and removed the posters, erected in several streets of the Alwarpet area of the city.
Bangalore City Police Commissioner M N Reddi told Deccan Herald that he had come to know of the posters through some Twitter postings.
“The moment I came to know of such posters being put up in Chennai, I contacted Chennai Police Commissioner S George, who is my batchmate. I asked him if it was true that posters were asking people to hold Kannadigas to ransom. He confirmed that such posters had been put up at two places, and assured me they would be removed immediately. I have also requested him to issue statement to reinforce confidence in the people from Karnataka living in Chennai,”' said Reddi.
Sources said George promised Reddi adequate protection to all the people belonging to Karnakata living in Chennai. Notice has been issued to all police stations to ensure the safety of Kannadigas.
George also reportedly promised severe action against those who put up the controversial poster. Police sources said no arrest has been made so far regarding the incident.
Washing its hands of the issue, AIADMK sources said the poster was erected by expelled south zone secretary K C Vijay.
AIADMK MLA Kalairajan, whose name was also printed in the poster, denied the party was connected to it. “Our party had never given permission for such an act. This issue will be taken to our party high command,” he said.