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Hundreds of people were reportedly arrested by Tamil Nadu police officers on Sunday, as they attempted to mark the 13th anniversary of the massacre of Tamils by the Sri Lankan state.
The arrests came after Tamil Nadu authorities reportedly banned the Mullivaikkal commemoration, which was being organised by the May 17th Movement.
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May 17 Movement convenor Thirumurugan Gandhi had condemned the ban on Tamil genocide commemorations and took aim at the ruling DMK party, whom he accused of hypocrisy.
Speaking to The Hindu, Gandhi highlighted the Canadian parliament’s motion to recognise May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, and criticised the Tamil Nadu government for not doing the same.
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“Why can’t the DMK, which claims to stand for State rights and welfare of Tamils, allow us to hold a memorial for Tamils?” he said ahead of the event. “The [erstwhile] AIADMK government feared the BJP government. But why is the DMK government scared of us?”
“Comrades of Periyar are not allowed to light a candle for the Tamils. Will they ban Vinayaka Chaturthi processions?” he asked.
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Despite the ban, the event went ahead with hundreds in attendance. However, arrests soon followed and journalists complained of harassment from Indian police officers.