In a powerful display of solidarity, Human Rights Defenders Alert-India (HRDA) joined forces with several political parties and organizations in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, on Saturday to condemn the recent attack on V. Suresh, the national general secretary of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). The demonstration aimed to highlight the urgent need for the closure of illegal quarries in the region.
Mr. Suresh was assaulted during a public hearing on quarrying impacts, organized by the NGO Arappor Iyakkam, on November 2. The meeting was intended to give villagers a platform to express their concerns about local quarrying operations when the event was disrupted by around 25 individuals claiming to represent the quarry owners. Witnesses reported that as villagers shared their grievances, these disruptors hurled plastic chairs, with one chair striking Mr. Suresh on the head.
Speaking to the press during the protest, Henri Tiphagne, the executive director of People’s Watch, emphasized the collective outrage from over 50 organizations that had rallied behind HRDA to denounce the violent attack on Mr. Suresh, a prominent lawyer in the Madras High Court involved in numerous quarry-related litigations. Tiphagne further alleged that some of the assailants were lawyers with troubling criminal histories, including charges of murder and violations of the Explosive Act. Notably, one of these individuals had previously faced suspension from the bar council before being reinstated.
The violence extended beyond Mr. Suresh, as Tiphagne reported that other attendees of the public meeting were also assaulted during the chaos. He noted that the movement against illegal mineral extraction had gained momentum from Tirunelveli, with participating organizations dedicated to the cause rather than electoral ambitions.
During the protest, Tiphagne urged local police to act on a complaint filed by Arappor Iyakkam’s coordinator, Jayaram Venkatesan. He asserted that if no action was taken, further protests would follow until justice was served. Alongside Mr. Suresh and Mr. Venkatesan, K.G. Baskaran, a member of the CPI(M) State committee, was also present, underscoring the broad political support for the movement against illegal quarrying practices.
The protest signifies a growing awareness and activism surrounding environmental and human rights issues in the region, with demonstrators calling for accountability and transparency in quarry operations. As the community unites against the violence and illegality linked to quarrying, the demand for justice is resonating far beyond Palayamkottai, highlighting a crucial moment for environmental advocacy in Tamil Nadu.
In light of these events, the ongoing discourse around illegal quarrying and its impacts on local communities is increasingly critical. The outcome of this growing movement could reshape policies in the region and set a precedent for addressing similar issues across India.
With tensions high and a determined populace, the fight against illegal quarrying is poised to continue, as activists are resolute in their mission to uphold human rights and protect the environment from exploitative practices. As these developments unfold, they underscore the necessity for stronger regulations and community support in safeguarding both lives and livelihoods.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/activists-stage-demonstration-in-tirunelveli-against-attack-on-pucl-leader/article70284442.ece
Category : Madurai
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Publish Date: 2025-11-15 20:30:00
