Arunthathiyars demand exclusive reservation

Chennai, Nov 26 (UNI) Arunthathiyars, a sub-caste of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), today demanded six per cent reservation based on their population from the 18 per cent quota for the SCs.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the state committee meeting of Arunthathi Makkal Katchi, its founder-president Valasai E Ravichandran told reporters here.

He said about 60 lakh Arunthathiyaars were in Tamil Nadu and the state government should take this into consideration and accord exclusive reservation on the lines of those given in Andhra Pradesh.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who had announced 3.5 per cent quota each for backward class Muslims and Christians, should also provide quota for Artunthathiyar community, he demanded.

Mr Ravichandran said he would meet the Chief Minister in this regard.

He also thanked Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) General Secretary Thol Thirumavalavan and the leaders of Left parties for raising their voice in support of quota for Arunthathiyars.

''Leaders of all political parties should support our cause and ensure that we also get reservation'', he added.

Mr Ravichandran also urged the Chief Minister to accord a ministerial berth to one of the two DMK MLAs, who hailed from Arunthathiyar community. This would help the community to effectively put forth its demands to the government through the minister.

UNI