Vedaranyam returning to normalcy after group clash

Chennai, Aug 26 (IANS) With normalcy returning to Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district after a clash between two groups, political leaders on Monday condemned the damaging of the Ambedkar statue in the town following group clashes.In a statement issued here, DMK President M.K. Stalin condemned the destruction of B.R. Ambedkar's statue, saying such acts create doubt about local police capability to identify and control miscreants.The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss said the damaging of Ambedkar's statue is condemnable and cannot be accepted.According to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party founder Kamal Haasan, action should be taken against miscreants, while clashes between an oppressed community and one that is trying to move forward gives fodder to people who are involved in politics as business.Police said that a sports utility vehicle (SUV) belonging to a functionary of a caste organisation hit a pedestrian in Vedaranyum on Sunday. The driver of vehicle took refuge in the police station while the injured person was admitted to hospital.Meanwhile, an irate group reacted by indulging in violence, set fire to the SUV and also pelted stones at the police station.In retaliation, members of another caste group gathered in large numbers and damaged the Ambedkar statue.The Nagapattinam district police have detained 37 persons in connection with the clash.
--IANS vj/bc