Many supporters and activists, including Kollywood celebrities, participated in the procession.
Published Jul 21, 2024 | 2:40 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 21, 2024 | 5:11 PM
Pa Ranjith criticised the DMK government for not taking the investigation seriously, which he said cast doubt on its direction. (Supplied)
To urge the DMK government to address the murder of late BSP Tamil Nadu President K Armstrong, Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Foundation held a ‘Rally for Justice’ in Egmore, Chennai, on 20 July, demanding prompt action.
Over a thousand people marched from Langs Garden Road to Rajarathinam Stadium, carrying banners that read, “We don’t want police encounters, we want justice” and “Dalit lives matter.”
Pa Ranjith called Armstrong a brother, noting, “He was a powerful leader in the city and his community, helping many young people with their education. There is a major conspiracy behind his murder.” The filmmaker urged the police to investigate all aspects and hold everyone involved in Armstrong’s murder accountable.
Pa Ranjith criticised the DMK government for not taking the investigation seriously, which he said cast doubt on its direction.
He also refuted claims of acting on behalf of the BJP, stating, “We are Ambedkarites, and our ideology opposes the saffron party.”
Pa Ranjith added that Armstrong’s opposition to discriminatory Hindu practices and his conversion to Buddhism suggested a possible religious motive behind the murder.
He accused Dalit MLAs and MPs from state parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, and CPI(M), of failing to address the issues faced by the Dalit community.
Pa Ranjith questioned, “If those elected through reservation—MLAs, MPs, and even the Mayor—don’t speak up for Dalit issues, we will protest. How long will you let us down?”
Peaceful rally in honour of slain BSP Tamil Nadu State President K.Armstrong, and to demand that the perpetrators of his brutal murder be brought to justice. Please join us and voice your support.💪@beemji @Neelam_Culture #marchforjustice #rallyforjustice pic.twitter.com/S2lbAIqXaC
— Neelam Publications (@NeelamPublicat1) July 19, 2024
Many supporters and activists, including Kollywood celebrities, participated in the procession. Besides film production, Pa Ranjith hosts annual Dalit cultural and literary events, publishes works, and supports Dalit artists and writers.
Armstrong was killed by assailants outside his Perambur residence on 4 July. Hours later, 11 men surrendered to the police.
According to their confessions, the police suggested that Armstrong’s murder might have been retaliatory by the gang of the late Arcot Suresh, who was killed in 2023. The gang believed Armstrong was involved in Suresh’s murder. On 14 July, the city police also killed Thiruvengadan, one of the 11 assailants, in an encounter.
The rally featured speakers such as Se Ku Tamilarasan of the Indian Republic Party, anti-nuclear activist SP Udayakumar, retired High Court Judge D Hariparanthaman, writer and activist Shalin Maria Lawrance, and actors Mansoor Ali Khan and Dinesh of Attakathi (2012) fame.
The major Dalit party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by MP Thol Thirumavalavan, did not join the rally. As a DMK ally and member of the INDIA bloc, Thirumavalavan had advised his party to stay away, calling the event an effort to undermine the VCK and DMK government.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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