Hindu outfit opposes tribute to British Collector

A Hindu outfit today urged the Tamil Nadu government to take action against a group for allegedly denigrating the Indian independence movement by paying homage to a British District Collector who was assassinated by a freedom fighter.
Recently, Aathi Tamizhar Katchi (ATK), a Dalit outfit, had paid floral tributes to Robert William d' Escourt Ashe at his tomb in Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli district. ATK claimed that he stood for the rights of the oppressed people during his tenure.
Ashe, who was the Tirunelveli District Collector in 1911 was shot dead by Veera Vanchinathan, a freedom fighter.
The British collector was killed as he, among other things, had reportedly choked the swadeshi shipping company floated by V O Chidambaranar, one of the tallest leaders of Tamil Nadu in the freedom movement.

Opposing the tribute, Hindu Makkal Katchi today gave a petition to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Special Cell seeking action against ATK.
"This act of paying homage to Ashe who was assassinated by Maveerar Vanchinatahan amounts to denigrating the Indian independence movement and insulting the martyr," the HMK said in its petition.
"Ashe undertook oppressive measures against freedom fighters including Subramania Siva and V O Chidambaranar, hence (appropriate) action should be taken against those who honoured the British Collector" the outfit said.