LDF Government did not take PM's visit seriously: Chandy

Kottayam, Nov 3 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy today took exception to the manner in which the state government, particularly the home department, was handling the security lapse during the Prime Minister's visit on November one.

At a press meet here, the former Chief Minister said there was room for doubt that the government had not taken the Prime Minister's visit seriously. If not the Home Minister would not have gone out of state at the time of Dr Singh's visit. It was a serious security lapse and shameful to the state. The Chief Minister could not just wash his hands of it, he said.

Mr Chandy welcomed Mr V S Achyutanandan directing the Chief Secretary to inquire into the issue.

He criticised the government for prolonging the bus-lorry strike in the state for five days, causing much hardship to the public.

Citing past instances, he contended that the strike could have been settled much earlier through discussions if the government desired.

Referring to the ordinance on speed governors in heavy vehicles, he said there should be provision for stern action against speeding, red light crossing and dangerous overtaking to avoid accidents.

The CPI(M) was destroying the morale of state police, he said, referring to the Pathanamthitta police station incident. SFI men attacked the police station and forcibly released their leader who attacked a policeman, from the lock-up and instead of taking action against the culprits, a case had been registered against police, he alleged.

Mr Chandy, who visited the house of the Adimali sex racket victim, said police did not take timely action on her statement. The 17-year- old girl who was involved in a sex racket after she was lured into the TV serial field committed suicide at her house on Sunday last.

UNI VST AA PR ND1706