Silent march to stop execution

As the case relating to the execution of four aides of Veerappan is likely to come up before the Supreme Court today (Wednesday), the church and people of border villages, along with the convicts’ families have planned a silent march to draw the attention of the Court, President and the government.

The locals who held special prayers, will unitedly plead for dropping the death sentence and urge the government to remove the death penalty. Residents of Nalroad, Uggayam, Jalliplaya, Sandanapalya, Kartukohil, Vadaradoddi, Bidarahalli and other places will congregate at St Lourde Church at Martahalli before the rally. The silent march will be headed by priests of various churches of the region.

Residents have also invited Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) state president P K Mani, human rights activists including Kolathur Mani, CPI(M) MP D Raja, MDMK president Vaiko, and people from the literary world to support the rally.

Mani of Nallore, said that a memorandum addressed to the President and Chief Justice of India, will be signed by the participants.

They alleged that the four were targeted only because they hailed from Veerappan’s community.  Meanwhile, the families are awaiting the return of a few who had met the victims at Hindalga jail.  They feel that the Supreme Court will reassess the case and drop the execution orders on humanitarian grounds and the seven-year delay.