Tense situation prevails in Kerala dist

Thalassery, Kerala, Mar 8 (UNI) The tense situation prevailing in Kannur district following recrudescence of violence between CPI(M) and BJP/RSS activists since March five that resulted in the death of seven people would hamper tourism in the area, according to C P Moosa, owner of 'Aysha Manzil,' a 145-year-old colonial villa on a hillock overlooking the Arabian sea.

Bemused by the prevailing situation in the locality where shops and business establishments remained closed for the day, US tourist Garry staying in 'Aysha Manzil' asked ''how do people live in such a tense situation. It is unheard of people chopping off each other to settle political scores,'' he said.

The other guests of the motel also expressed dissatisfaction over the prevailing situation in the locality.

''A Kashmir-like situation prevailed in the area as people remained indoors for the past couple of days fearing escalation of violence,'' said a druggist on the Goods- shed Road near the railway station here.

UNI PCH SJ PD AS1841