Kin of 15 killed with Rajiv to fast on Sep 9

CHENNAI: Family members of the 15 persons, who lost their lives when Rajiv Gandhi was  assassinated, have decided to stage a fast on September 9, the date which was earlier fixed to hang the convicts, demanding justice and condemning the resolution, adopted by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, to commute the death sentence of Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan. The fast will start at 9.30 am and go on till 5.30 pm.Javid Iqbal, son of slain police officer T K S Mohammad Iqbal, who was the Superintendent of Police of then West Chengalpattu district (Kanchee puram) said, “Today the public and all political parties are rallying around and campaigning for the commutation of death sentence, calling them (accused) as Tamilians. The 15 innocent victims who died on that spot were also Tamilians. Why is nobody talking about them? Why is there no sympathy for their families who have suffered their loss, for the last 20 years.”Iqbal added, “We have silently suffered our loss. Now we want justice. The accused should be punished as per the law.” Many Congress leaders have  extended their support for the cause, he added. Jothi Ramalingam, a Congressman and a prime mover in getting the GH named as Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital gave a clarion call to fellow Congress cadre to join the protest. “This is the time to lend your voice for  justice,“ he said.