Tensions flared at the Nagapattinam District Collectorate on Friday (11 April 2025)after members of the Buddhist community staged a protest, accusing Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission Chairman Joe Arun of making an inappropriate remark during an official meeting.
The incident occurred following a discussion convened by the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission, held at the Collectorate and chaired by Joe Arun. District Collector Akash, Superintendent of Police Arun Kabilan, and officials from various government departments were in attendance.
As part of the event, welfare scheme benefits totaling ₹10 lakh were distributed to 100 beneficiaries. During the meeting, representatives of the Thanjavur Zone Buddhist Association submitted a memorandum to Joe Arun, urging the state government to convert the historic Soodamani Temple in Nagapattinam into a Buddhist tourism center.
The controversy erupted shortly after the meeting concluded. According to the Buddhist Association, when members including Jayaraman approached Chairman Joe Arun for a follow-up discussion, he allegedly asked, “Have you had drinks?” while patting Jayaraman on the cheek. The remark was perceived as derogatory and humiliating by the Buddhist representatives. Outraged by the comment, members of the Buddhist Sangam began raising slogans condemning Joe Arun’s behavior. The situation escalated, prompting Chairman Arun to leave the venue.
பௌத்தர்களை அவமதித்து விட்டதாக சிறுபான்மை ஆணையத் தலைவரை முற்றுகையிட்ட புத்த மதத்தினர்.. பரபரப்பான ஆட்சியர் அலுவலகம்..#Nagapattinam | #CollectorOffice | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/dDmZM9Nq31
— Polimer News (@polimernews) April 12, 2025
The protesting group later demanded that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin take immediate action against Joe Arun for what they described as an insult to their dignity and faith. They also called for his removal from the post of Minorities Commission Chairman. Police personnel intervened and dispersed the protesters, bringing the situation under control. However, the incident caused a brief commotion within the Collectorate premises. It is noteworthy to mention that Fr. Joe Arun, is a Jesuit priest belonging to the Society of Jesus which also runs Loyola College, Chennai. Fr. Joe Arun is the current Director of Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai.
(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)
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