Why did Tiruchi SP call NTK a ‘separatist force’, asks Seeman

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman on Thursday (December 5, 2024) said Tiruchirapalli Superintendent of Police V. Varun Kumar must clarify why he allegedly referred to the NTK as a “separatist force” in a recent speech.

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman on Thursday (December 5, 2024) said Tiruchirapalli Superintendent of Police V. Varun Kumar must clarify why he allegedly referred to the NTK as a “separatist force” in a recent speech.

The SP had purportedly made the remarks at the 5th National IPS Officers Conference held in Chandigarh recently, and a video of his speech was shared on social media.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore after meeting members of the party’s student wing, Mr. Seeman asked on what basis was the NTK referred to as a “separatist force” by the SP. Wondering whether speaking for the Tamil language was an offence, he asked: “Is it on the basis of this that the SP made those remarks? He should elaborate on his statement and clarify what he said. Speaking for one’s language is different from being a separatist.” He also asked how the video of his speech was being circulated on a public platform.

Responding to a question, the NTK leader said one could not find fault with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s intention to serve the public.

On Tamil Nadu’s request for funds from the Union government to handle the devastating impact of Cyclone Fengal, he accused the Centre of not offering any relief during natural calamities and alleged that it only “wants taxes.” “If questioned, the stock reply is that those who question the BJP are ‘anti-Indians’. The same BJP government is allocating funds for Gujarat and Bihar,” he alleged.

On the ban imposed on consumption of beef in Assam, he wanted the Union government to first “ensure food for 28% of people who go to bed without dinner.” “Food and clothes are our basic rights and you should not be bothered about or decide what meat we should eat. If cows are sacred, then why export beef,” he asked.

Mr. Seeman maintained that electoral defeats would not deter the NTK and what mattered for the party was the “(Tamil) soil and its people.”