Kerala Govt. to work on ''political consensus'' to deal with hartals

Kochi, Jul 24 (UNI) The Kerala government today filed an affidavit in the state high court stating that it was working towards forging a political consensus to tackle the problems faced during 'hartals' in the state.

The affidavit, filed by Mr K J Mathew, addl. home secretary, also stated that a meeting called by the state home minister on May four to discuss the issue had stressed the need for more proactive support from the people, media and social organisations to strengthen the hands of police and government in dealing with 'hartals'.

The suppport and cooperation of all sections was required to ensure that there was no destruction of public property during 'hartals', it added.

The affidavit further stated that the safeguards adopted by the authorities during the hartal called by the BJP on July three, in connection with the Amarnath issue, were successful.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by an NGO, Proper Channel, against calling of hartals.

UNI XR ARC DK1717