(Rptg, with correction in line one, para four)

Chennai, May 31 (UNI) Accusing ruling DMK functionaries in the ''looting'' of Muthalamman temple hundi at Vilampatti village in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today said the party would observe a fast tomorrow to protest against the DMK government and the police, which opened fire against the innocent villagers.

In a statement here, she said the fast, to be led by Dindigul district secretary and former Minister R Viswanathan and Nilakottai party legislator Thenmozhi, would be observed at Nilakottai, near Dindigul.

The fast is to condemn the DMK government and the police, which opened fire against the villagers, who tried to prevent a gang from escaping after looting the temple hundi, she said alleging the police resorted to firing without any warning.

The firing was not preceded by lathicharge or bursting of tear gas shells, she said and wanted to know what crime the villagers had committed, warranting police firing.

Besides opening fire on the innocent villagers, the police had also barged into their houses and destroyed household articles like television sets, Ms Jayalalithaa alleged.

She wished speedy recovery to those injured in the police firing and admitted to hospital.

She said a ten-member gang had escaped with cash and jewellery after breaking open the hundi with the connivance of temple trustee and demanded that they be brought to book immediately.

UNI