Massive protest in Chennai against TV channel who took women’s day as an excuse to question Mangalsutra

To commemorate International Womens’ Day, Puthiya Thalaimurai a regional based television planned to conduct a debate in ‘Urakka solungal’ programme – subject being ‘Thaali pennirkku perumaiya? Sirumaiyya?’ (Is Mangalsutra for women a pride or humiliation?)  Promo with regard to the programme went on air. For the past two days, hundreds of Hindu men and women made calls to the TV to register their protest and appealed not to telecast the show which affects the faith and Hindu sentiments. Shri Veerabahu, Editor of Vijayabharatham, Nationalist weekly spoke to Shri Pachamuthu, CEO of Puthiya Thalaimurai and requested to adhere to the sentiments of Hindus. But the authorities of Puthiya Thalaimurai denied and spoke on freedom of expression. Four complaints at four places in Tamilnadu had been lodged against the TV by Hindu Munnani.  Protests by the alert Hindus gave a successful result in not telecasting the sensitive episode. 

Since no sign of taking back the episode from the authorities of Puthiya Thalaimurai was seen till 10.00 a.m. (show to be telecasted at 10.30 am) today, Hindu Munnani organized a protest led by State Secretary Shri Parameswaran in front of the Channel.  But the police denied permission before the channel and Hindu Munnani volunteers were stopped one kilometer away from the channel office. It is reported that the staff of the Puthiya Thalaimurai came to the protest area along with women employees purposefully with camera.  Annoyed Hindu Munnani volunteers raised their protest which resulted in the broke out of the camera.  Puthiya Thalaimurai kept flashing the news saying that the pariwar organizations held in anti-social ways with the help of police. Hindu Munnani volunteers wanted to register their protest against the TV in a smooth and democratic manner and there is no need for the cameraman to come to the spot. When the authorities of Puthiya Thalaimurai complained and asked for security from police, Police Inspector of Saidapet questioned the TV authorities on why do they want to relay on such sensitive topic and ask for security?  

45 Hindu Munnani volunteers including Hindu Munnani State Secretary Shri Parameswaran, City Secretary Shri Elangovan, State Executive Secretary Shri Manohar were arrested and nearly 20 of them were remanded under various sections.  

It is also reported that media persons along the State condemned the incident based on the report of Puthiya Thalaimurai.  In yet another incident, around 50 persons were arrested in Selaiyur junction when Hindu Munnani volunteers protested against the TV Channel.

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