Songs glorifying castes banned in Tirunelveli

The Tirunelveli police has banned the playing of songs, glorifying castes, on public transport, in the light of caste-based murders in the region.

There have been five murders, some of which are said to be based on caste issues, in Tirunelveli, in Tamil Nadu, since last month. In the case of two caste-based murders, the victims were beheaded and their heads were placed on the graves of the members of the other castes. The murders were of members of the upper caste as well as from the Scheduled Caste (SC).

Last month, the Tirunelveli Superintendent of Police formed eight special teams in order to bring peace and harmony among the people in the region.

The police have made arrests in the murders of member of the upper caste and that of the person belonging to the SC.

The police observed that the songs glorifying castes were being played on public transport and school buses, fearing that it would lead to further aggravation of the caste-based hatred. The police feel that such songs would leave “a damaging and lasting impression” on school children and other students. Adequate precautionary measures are being taken to ensure peaceful Thevar Jayanthi celebration this week.

The police have warned that action would be taking against erring bus drivers and conductors.