Faced with sporadic but unending violence by PMK cadre that disrupted life in several pockets across Tamil Nadu,Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa threatened to ban the party,comparing its mode of protests to that of terrorist outfits. The PMK could also be slapped with a fine running into several hundred crores for the loss caused in the last two weeks. Protesting the arrest of PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and former Union minister Anbumani Ramadoss,the party cadre have been staging violent agitations,often targeting public transport,government-run liquor stores and PDS shops. Three people lost their lives to arson and stone-pelting incidents,111 were injured,and 853 vehicles were damaged. Detailing the lives lost,losses suffered,and sufferings of the public in general due to the protests since Ramadosss arrest on April 30,Jayalalithaa blamed the father-son duo for the incidents while replying to a special call attention motion in the Assembly on Monday. With their comments that the protests will go on,Ramadoss and Anbumani are goading their men to continue violent protests. That is why buses are being attacked even though they have been released from the prison. Going against the basic norms of functioning as a political outfit,the PMK has been indulging in violence in the past few days. My government will not tolerate (this). Those indulging in violence and those inciting them will face stringent action. Those who disturb public peace will be booked under the Goondas Act and National Security Act.The government will take action to ban any party that disturbs peace,destroys public property and affects law and order situation, the Chief Minister said. By throwing petrol bombs on running buses which could kill the passengers,the party is acting like terrorist outfits,charged Jaya.
