Plea against programme on 'Thaali'

Close on the heels of a proposed TV programme on 'mangalsutra' resulting in violence, a little known outfit here has decided to organise a 'mangalsutra (thaali) removal' and beef feast programme, triggering opposition from BJP and some outfits.
The "Swayamariyade Kalai Panpattu (self-respect art and culture) Kazhagam", has circulated pamphlets across the city on the programme to be held on April 3 in Sulur area near here.
Protesting against the programme, BJP, Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Kazhagam (KMDK)here today urged the district administration to prevent it.
Nearly 100 members of these parties, led by BJP state secretary G K S Selvakumar, HMK president Arjun Sampath and KMDK secretary Suryamurthu, laid a near siege of the district collectorate and sought immediate steps to prevent the programme.

Later, they met District Revenue Officer T Christuraj and submitted a memorandum, which stated that thali, being the symbol of culture and tradition, its removal would result in tension and panic among the public.
Moreover, the proposed feast with beef, by killing cows, revered by the Hindus, would also hurt their religious sentiments and create unnecessary tension and friction among the public, the memorandum claimed.

The DRO assured to look into the matter, BJP sources said.
The controversial programme comes weeks after the office of Puthiya Thalaimurai TV in Chennai was attacked by a fringe right wing outfit on March 12 over its proposed show on women wearing thaali (mangalsutra) on Women's Day (March 8), which was, however, dropped in the wake of protest by Hindu Munnani.

Motorcycle-borne assailants hurled two tiffin boxes packed with crackers after lighting the wick which burst inside the premises but no one was injured and no damage caused in the attack caught on CCTV cameras.
The attack came in for widespread condemnation from media bodies and various parties.