UDF fails to prevent Marad carnage: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 25 (UNI) Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today told the State Assembly that if the the United Democratic Front(UDF) had taken stern action after the first Marad incident the second carnage could have been averted.

Replying to a notice by Mr Aryadan Muhammed (Cong) to raise a discussion on the report of the Commission which inquired into the Marad incident, he said the commission had noted serious lapses in taking prompt action by the then UDF Government after the first incident.

Mr Balakrishnan said though the LDF Government did not fully agree with the Marad Commission report it could not close its eyes towards certain findings by the Commission.

Stating that certain conspiracy was behind in the Marad carnage, he said only a CBI inquiry could throw light on such issues.

The Minister said the incidents should not be repeated and sought the Opposition's help in this regard.

Presenting the notice, Mr Muhammad said the remarks on the then Chief Minister A K Antony in the report was contradictory to the truth. With his sincere efforts peace was restored in Marad and not a drop of blood was shed after that he added.

Justifying Mr Antony for not entrusting the inquiry by the CBI, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Oommen Chandy said except the BJP no other parties had demanded for CBI inquiry into the incident.

Winding up the debate Chief Minister V S Achuthanandn sought the cooperation of the Opposition to fight against terrorists and fundamental forces.

UNI CGV SB HT2335