Hunger protest by BJP ex-servicemen wing over killing of army man Prabhu

CHENNAI: An ex-serviceman on Tuesday cautioned the Tamil Nadu government not to provoke his fraternity, who were experts in planting bombs and handling guns, as it would not go down well for the state. He made this controversial statement while addressing the participants of a hunger protest ogranised by the ex-servicemen cell of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit near Omandurar Government Estate.

Functionaries of the ex-servicemen wing of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit launched a daylong hunger protest condemning the state government in connection with the killing of army personnel M Prabhu, in Krishnagiri district and attack of party’s SC wing leader Tada Periyasamy house and property a few days ago.

“The Indian Army is the second largest in the country and a disciplined force. They are known for their discipline. If you provoke such disciplined army personnel, it is not good for the state and its government. Whatever we do, we do it with discipline and inspiration. So, you (TN government) don’t want to test us. It will not augur well for the law and order situation,” said Retired Lt Col BB Pandian in the presence of several BJP functionaries and ex-servicemen during the protest.

Retired Lt Col Pandian was the former state president of ex-servicemen wing of BJP. He was also part of the delegation, which called on Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday regarding the killing of army personnel M Prabhu

“The ex-servicemen here (in the protest venue) are experts in planting bombs, shooting and good in fighting. We are not keen to do so. But, I warn the Tamil Nadu government not to force us to do it,” he said amidst applause and chanting of ‘Bharat Matha ki Jai’.

The participants of the protest took out a candle light march from the protest venue in Swami Sivananda Salai to War Memorial near Secretariat. Nearly 200 functionaries, including several senior leaders and ex-servicemen affiliated to the BJP party, turned up for the hunger protest.

Backlash on social media

The controversial remarks of the ex-servicemen attracted sharp criticism on social media after news channels flashed his speech and posted it on social media. Many netizens came down heavily on the army personnel for making such irresponsible statement.