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Tamil Nadu parties protest against delay in release of Rajiv Gandhi convicts

Tamil Nadu's MDMK party leader yesterday protested in Chennai, calling for the prompt release of the seven people convicted for their alleged association in the killing of the Indian premier, Rajiv Gandhi. 

The MDMK was joined by opposition parties, DMK, CPI and CPI-M. 

"The governor should release the seven convicts under Article 161 of the Constitution," MDMK leader, Vaiko said.

Vaiko was later detained for picketing outside the governor, Raj Bhavan's house and shouting "get out governor!" 

The seven people, Perarivalan, Nalini, Murugan, Shanthan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran and Robert Pyas have been imprisoned for 27 years. 

The Tamil Nadu cabinet in September announced it would be recommending the release of all seven. 

The fisheries minister, D Jayakumar announced the cabinet would be submitting the recommendation to the Governor. 

"The Governor will have to accept recommendations of the Council of Ministers. There is nothing to reject," Jayakumar said.

Stating that the Tamil people wanted all seven to be release, Jayakumar added, “it was only based on their sentiments."

"The Cabinet in 2014 passed a resolution to release them. We have been reflecting the sentiments of the Tamil people."

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