Who mourned loss of Armstrong? 10 Political leaders who slammed murder

NEW DELHI: The murder of K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting strong condemnations from leaders across the spectrum. Armstrong, 47, was brutally attacked by a six-member gang near his residence in Sembiam, Chennai, on the evening of July 5. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Armstrong’s murder is believed to be an act of revenge for the earlier killing of a gangster named Arcot Suresh. The police have arrested eight suspects, identified as Ponnai Bala, Ramu, Thiruvengadam, Thirumalai, Selvaraj, Manivannan, Santhosh, and Arul, based on CCTV footage and mobile tower locations.

Condemnations from ten political Leaders

1. Mayawati (BSP Supremo): Expressing her outrage on social media, Mayawati condemned the murder as “highly deplorable” and called for swift justice. She emphasized Armstrong’s role as a strong Dalit voice in Tamil Nadu.

 

07-07-2024-BSP PHOTO RELEASE-
BSP national president, former four time Uttar Pradesh chief minister and ex-MP Ms Mayawati Ji in Chennai on Sunday on the occasion of paying last respects to Tamil Nadu BSP K Armstrong who was brutally murdered as his body kept in Bunder Garden… pic.twitter.com/w1NBNmTSAD

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 7, 2024

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2. K Annamalai (BJP Tamil Nadu Chief): Annamalai criticized the MK Stalin-led DMK government, attributing rising violence in the state to its administration. He demanded accountability from the Chief Minister and expressed solidarity with Armstrong’s family and the BSP.

 

 

 

3. Edappadi K Palaniswami (AIADMK Leader): Palaniswami also slammed the DMK government, questioning the state of law and order. He called for peaceful conduct at Armstrong’s funeral and emphasized the need for justice.

 

 

4. ANS Prasad (BJP Spokesperson): Prasad demanded the immediate arrest of all involved in the murder, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu under the current government.

 

 

5. MK Stalin (Tamil Nadu Chief Minister): Stalin offered condolences to Armstrong’s family and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice swiftly.

 

 

6. Vaiko (MDMK General Secretary):Vaiko denounced the murder as a heinous act and urged the government to take stringent action against the culprits.

 

 

7. Thirumavalavan (VCK President): Thirumavalavan condemned the attack, calling it a serious blow to democracy and the safety of political leaders in the state.

 

 

8. Seeman (Naam Tamilar Katchi Leader): Seeman expressed deep sorrow over Armstrong’s death and called for enhanced protection for political figures.

 

 

பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் மாநிலத்தலைவர் சகோதரர் ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்கள் சென்னை பெரம்பூரிலுள்ள அவரது வீட்டின் அருகிலேயே படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்டிருப்பது பெரும் அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.

தமிழ்நாட்டின் தலைநகரிலேயே தேசிய கட்சியின் மாநிலத்தலைவருக்கே உயிருக்கு பாதுகாப்பில்லாத சூழல் நிலவுகிறது… pic.twitter.com/Em5sAi2Okn

— செந்தமிழன் சீமான் (@Seeman4TN) July 5, 2024

 

9. M K Kanimozhi (DMK Deputy General Secretary): Kanimozhi expressed her grief and condemned the attack, calling for unity against such violent acts.

 

பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் மாநிலத் தலைவர் திரு. ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்கள் சமூக விரோதிகளால் படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்ட சம்பவம் மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியும் வேதனையும் அளிக்கிறது.

அவரது குடும்பத்தினர் மற்றும் கட்சியினருக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.

— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) July 6, 2024

 

10. G Ramakrishnan (CPI(M) Leader): Ramakrishnan criticized the increasing criminal activities and urged the state government to restore law and order.

 

Armstrong, an advocate by profession, had a notable political career. He gained prominence by organizing a major rally with BSP chief Mayawati in Chennai and contested the 2011 assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency. Known for advocating Dalit rights, Armstrong’s death is a significant loss to the political and social fabric of Tamil Nadu.