Chennai: A volunteer associated with the May 17 Movement has died after sustaining critical injuries during a protest against Hindi imposition earlier this month, prompting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to call for restraint and non-violent expression of dissent.
The activist, identified as Siva Dileepan, had reportedly jumped in front of a moving train at Park railway station on March 11 as part of the agitation. He had been undergoing treatment since the incident and passed away on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development, Stalin appealed to the public to avoid extreme actions, emphasizing that the movement should not claim more lives. He stressed that the opposition to language imposition must continue through peaceful, creative, and modern forms of protest.
Recalling earlier phases of similar agitations, the Chief Minister underlined that the struggle is rooted in preserving linguistic identity through determination and awareness, rather than self-harm. He urged supporters to channel their sentiments constructively instead of resorting to drastic measures.
Stalin also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and members of the movement, including its leadership, acknowledging the loss while reiterating the need for responsible and non-violent activism.