SALEM: A gang-raped woman, a TADA detainee in search of her son and two brothers separated as kids but met as friends years later were among the 650-odd victims of the joint STF operations against forest brigand Veerappan. They recollected their heartrending experiences during a fast here on Saturday.
The victims demanded immediate implementation of the `5-crore rehabilitation package directed by the National Human Rights Commission on the basis of the Sadasiva Commission report on the alleged atrocities on forest dwellers during the joint STF operations between 1990 and 1998.
The sister of Veerappan’s close aide, Jayalakshmi (name changed), 39, from Govindapadi, revealed that she was allegedly gang-raped by Karnataka STF after her brother died in custody.
Muniamma from Nallur, a border village in Karnataka, was arrested under TADA in 1993. Her husband, Ponnusamy, and two of their four sons, who were also taken into custody, were shot dead. Since her acquittal in 2001, Muniamma has been searching for her other two sons. Many others complained of permanent physical or mental disabilities.
CPI State general secretary T Pandian assured that he would take up the matter in the Assembly and urged activists to drum up the support of all parties.
