Thol Thirumavalavan, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Member of Parliament for Chidambaram, has ignited a new controversy by equating international terrorist organisations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi militants with freedom fighters engaged in armed struggles for self-defense. During an agitation in Chennai, Thirumavalavan urged India to reconsider its pro-Israel stance, stating, “North Indians are Israelis, and Tamil Nadu people are Palestinians.”
In his address, Thirumavalavan recalled the historical context in which Palestinians initially welcomed displaced Jews and provided them asylum. He elaborated on the situation following the establishment of Israel, stating, “After the formation of Israel as a state, supported by Britain and America, the Jewish population expanded by bringing displaced Jews from around the world. The Jewish population grew, resulting in Palestinians being forced to leave their land, leading to conflict.” His remarks have sparked significant debate and criticism across political and social circles.
In a speech during an agitation supporting the Palestinian cause, Thirumavalavan stated that displaced Palestinians, in their quest to reclaim their homeland, established various groups, including militant organisations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, alongside the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) under Yasser Arafat.
Thirumavalavan remarked, “Generally, they are called terrorist organisations or militant organisations, but why was the LTTE formed? After 25 years of struggle led by Selva in a democratic manner, the Sinhalese did not accept their demands. When there was a need to speak in their language, armed groups came into existence.” His comments have sparked debate regarding the classification of militant organisations and the historical context of armed struggles.
Continuing his advocacy for the Palestinian cause, Thol Thirumavalavan, chief of the VCK, criticised Israel’s expansionist policies, stating that Palestinians initially ceded 40-45 per cent of their land but have since seen Israel occupy over 90 per cent, leaving only a small portion in the West Bank and Gaza. He questioned, “On whose side should we stand? Can you support Israel or the Jewish group that has driven out the Palestinians and occupied their land?”
Thirumavalavan emphasised the importance of delivering justice to the Palestinian people, asserting that without this, it is impossible to dismantle organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah. “We must always stand on the side of the victims in this situation,” he declared.
In his speech, he also drew an analogy between communities in India, comparing North Indians living in Sowcarpet, Chennai, to Israelis and Dalit residents of North Chennai to Palestinians, highlighting perceived inequalities and injustices faced by marginalised groups.
North Indians are Israelis and TN people are Palestinians? What kind of example is this?
A very dangerous trend is being set, an elected Indian MP is supporting a terrorist organization Hamas
.@HMOIndia .@NIA_India pic.twitter.com/qnpGRIAPlw— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) October 14, 2024
Thol Thirumavalavan, criticised the treatment of Palestinians during a speech, stating, “What did the Jews do? Palestinians gave them a piece of land and asked them to stay within that. If we ask Marwaris to stay within Sowcarpet, they should stay there. What will happen if they expand to other areas like Anna Nagar and occupy the entire Chennai?”
He further highlighted the plight of marginalised communities in India, saying, “The Dalits, poor, and those living along the banks of the Coovum River are being displaced 40-50 kilometers away under the pretext of being affected by rains and floods. This is called displacement, and it is being carried out by the government itself.”
Thirumavalavan drew parallels between the situations in Israel and Palestine, asserting that as Jews arrived, Palestinians were forced to flee, with thousands losing their lives in the conflict.
Earlier, October 31, 2023 Thol Thirumavalavan, reiterated his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict during a protest organised by the Federation of All Muslim Organisations and Political Parties. The demonstration condemned Israel’s attacks on Palestine, with participants accusing Israel of “encroaching upon Palestine” with backing from the US, UK, and other nations, while highlighting ongoing Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people.
Protest leaders also criticised India’s decision to abstain from voting on a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, emphasising the need for stronger action in support of Palestinian rights.
Thol Thirumavalavan, condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, stating, “Israel is carrying out a brutal war of aggression. Israel must stop this war. Nations across the world, especially democratic countries, are voicing their support for Israel to end this brutality against the Palestinians.”
Thirumavalavan asserted that the historical truth is that Israel has occupied Palestine, noting, “They were chased out of Germany and several other European countries. They entered Palestine with banners saying Germans stabbed us, don’t destroy our hope. The same people are the ones who created Israel and are now terrorising and suppressing the people; they are the Jews.”
He characterised Hamas as a defense force protecting Palestinians and their land, criticising the labeling of the group as a terrorist organisation by some factions within the United Nations Assembly. “Today, our Indian nation has become a subordinate of America and is supporting Israel blindly,” he added.
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