Sat Jul 05 19:19:05 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
On the fourth anniversary of Father Stan Swamy’s death, a statue was unveiled in his honor in his native village of Viragalur. At the event, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan defended Naxalites as “comrades” fighting for the rights of marginalized communities against corporate exploitation, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to eradicate them. He argued that differing methods shouldn’t prevent solidarity between those fighting for similar goals. DMK MP Kanimozhi criticized the central government, alleging it prioritizes corporations over the people and silences dissenting voices by labeling them “anti-national” or “urban Naxals.” Numerous other political leaders and activists also attended the event, supporting the cause of human rights and criticizing corporate exploitation.
**News Article:**
**Indian Politician Defends Naxalites, Criticizes Government on Stan Swamy Anniversary**
**TIRUCHI, India – July 6, 2025** – Controversy erupted Sunday as VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan defended Naxalites, calling them “comrades” and “sons of the soil” fighting against corporate exploitation and for the rights of marginalized communities. Thirumavalavan’s remarks came during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Father Stan Swamy on the fourth anniversary of his death. Swamy, an activist who worked with Adivasi communities, died in custody while facing charges of Maoist links, charges his supporters vehemently denied.
“Dalits should be clear that Naxalites are not enemies of the nation,” Thirumavalavan stated, challenging the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s promise to eradicate Naxalism. “They are people who have taken up arms in defense of forest land, mineral wealth, and the rights of the Adivasis and Dalits.”
DMK MP Kanimozhi echoed Thirumavalavan’s sentiments, criticizing the central government for allegedly prioritizing corporations over the people. She described the current struggle for human rights as “another freedom movement” and accused the government of silencing dissenting voices by labeling them “anti-national” or “urban Naxals.”
“Any voice raised against corporate exploitation is silenced—through intimidation, false cases, or even murder,” Kanimozhi stated.
The event, organized by the Stan Swamy People’s Federation, was attended by numerous political figures and activists, including CPI State President R. Mutharasan and human rights activist Henry Tiphagne, who voiced their support for human rights and criticized corporate exploitation. The controversy surrounding Father Stan Swamy’s death and the ongoing debate regarding Naxalism in India continue to spark heated debate and highlight the complex socio-political issues facing the country.
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