Jaya condemns killing of AIADMK partyman

Chennai, June 3 (UNI) Condemning the murder of a party functionary here yesterday, AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today said her party would not rest till the 'autocratic and fascist' DMK Government was removed.

''Should the opposition parties not remain in the country, if the DMK comes to power? Should the AIADMK not exist,?'' she asked after visiting the house of party Ambattur Town Secretary M R Ravi, who was hacked to death by a six-member gang, at suburban Ambattur.

''Democratic norms are being buried and democracy itself has been murdered,'' she charged.

Ms Jayalalithaa said Ravi was facing a threat to his life from DMK men even before the Assembly elections. As the AIADMK was in power then, he was provided police protection. However, immediately after the DMK came to power, the protection was withdrawn, resulting in the murder, she added.

Nobody who had faith in democracy would accept the heinous crime, she said.

Ms Jayalalithaa said the murder had taken place yesterday, but no arrest had been made so far.

Referring to the 83rd birthday of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, she said while birthday celebrations were being held all over the state, a state of mourning had been created for the AIADMK. People would never condone this, she added.

''All these celebrations will not last for long. The anti-people and autocratic government will be removed soon,'' she said.

Calling on party cadres to be brave and courageous, she urged them not to rest until the DMK Government was removed from power.

Earlier, the AIADMK supremo offered condolences to the bereaved family members.

UNI AKN AA AD PC1721