Muthariyar anniversary passes off peacefully

The occasion saw the assembly of members of the Mutharaiyar caste outfits and other youth, who were travelling spiritedly on motorcycles and in over-crowded vehicles, flaunting flags. The police had issued instructions, asking the Mutharaiyar organisations to come in a single vehicle without their supporters, as no processions were allowed; only the statue could be garlanded. 

Tamil Nadu Mutharaiyar Munnedra Sangam president R Viswanathan arrived at the site of the statue with his supporters while his rival, Veera Muthariyar Sangam president K Selvakumar, did so too with his people around 10.30 am. 

The police stopped them and allowed them to take turns, going up to the statue. Former minister and Tiruchy West MLA KN Nehru arrived at the spot and asked the groups to garland the statue, whereupon Viswanathan was allowed and he and his men too got a chance to pay their respects. 

The police were taking keen cognizance of any cases of drunken driving, determined to book those flagrantly violating the law.