Cong seeks deployment of Central forces in Kannur

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 8 (UNI) The Congress in Kerala today sought deployment of Central forces in trouble-torn Kannur where CPI(M)-BJP clashes claimed seven lives and demanded the resignation of state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Talking to newspersons here after a meeting of the party office-bearers, KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the police had failed to act impartially to contain violence in Kannur district under political compulsion.

It was ironic that workers of the ruling party were waging an armed war on the streets in the Home Minister's constituency, he said.

Demanding that the Central forces should be called out to restore peace and instill confidence in people, he alleged it was a serious dereliction of duty on the part of the Home Minister and Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who opted to attend their party meeting at Delhi rather than visiting the sensitive area to bring the situation back to normal.

UNI CR ROY YA RN1651