Marad riot report to be placed in Assembly: Kodiyeri

Kozhikode, Sep 11 (UNI) The probe report on Marad communal violence, which claimed nine lives in Kerala on May 2, 2003, would be placed before the Assembly later this month, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishan today said.

Talking to reporters here, he said the findings would be placed on the table in the session beginning on September 18 in the form of an acton-taken-report as suggested by the one-man probe panel, while considering the sensitive nature of the issue.

He said the report on the communal riots triggered by unidentified assailants, that rocked the state over three years ago took time as the government had to study in detail various aspects of the issue.

On the enhanced threat perception, he said security had been tightened across the state as per the Centre's directives in the wake of the Malegaon blasts.

Security forces had been directed to keep extra vigil on the coastal areas in the state, the Minister said.

He said the government was planning to set up eight police stations along the coastal areas in the state as part of a wider plan to meet any eventuality.

Although the government was adopting every step to contain possible extremist activites in the state, the people's support was imperative to tackle the menace, he said.

The proposed Goondas Bill would also be introduced in the Assembly in the coming session.

UNI PCH SP VA HT1620