DMK, VCK clash near Perambalur after police denies permission for protests

TRICHY: A fierce clash erupted between workers of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Kunnam near Perambalur on Tuesday. Both sides attacked each other with sticks and pelted stones, leading to chaos. Hundreds of police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.It may be noted that DMK Deputy General Secretary and Nilgiris MP A. Raja had posted an objectionable remark about VCK on his X (formerly Twitter) account on May 22. This came after VCK announced that it would quit the cabinet of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The remark triggered widespread outrage among VCK leaders and cadres.VCK sought police permission to hold a protest on Tuesday (May 26) in Kunnam village of Perambalur district, condemning A. Raja’s controversial post. At the same time, DMK also applied for permission to organise a counter-protest against VCK for criticising DMK leaders and functionariesKunnam police denied permission to both parties, fearing a serious law and order problem if the rival groups held protests at the same place and time. Police were also deployed at Kunnam Bus Stand to prevent any agitations.On Tuesday, several VCK and DMK workers gathered near the Kunnam bus stand around 10:30 am. The situation began with a verbal exchange that soon escalated into a heated argument and then turned into a physical altercation. The rival groups started beating each other with wooden sticks and other objects.The two groups also hurled stones at each other, ignoring police intervention. Frightened members of the public, traders, and vendors in the area fled the scene in panic.Kunnam police tried to pacify the battling groups. However, the violence continued briefly despite their efforts. Eventually, the police used batons to disperse the workers. After prolonged efforts, they managed to bring the situation under control and strengthened police presence in the area.Several workers from both sides sustained serious injuries during the violence. They later received treatment at Kunnam government hospital.Additional police forces have been deployed across Kunnam and surrounding areas on the orders of the District Superintendent of Police V. Lalith Kumar to prevent any further incidents.Several traders temporarily closed their shops near the bus stand due to the prevailing tension. Police have intensified patrolling and are closely monitoring the situation.VCK party treasurer S.S. Balaji, in a post on X, urged the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Nadu police to take immediate action against those responsible for the violent attack on VCK members.DMK Deputy General Secretary also reacted on X. He said, "A healthy clash of ideas is the true strength of democracy. Fist fights and field clashes are not only against democracy but also utter foolishness"