UDF demands CBI probe of clashes, says normal life disrupted

Kannur, Mar 8 (UNI) Congress legislator K Sudhakaran and UDF district convener Sunny Joseph today demanded a CBI probe into the clashes between CPI(M) and RSS-BJP activists and the registering of cases of murder against both the party leaders responsible for the incidents.

Normal life in Thalassery taluk of Kannur district was thrown out of gear, following the clashes, the two leaders claimed addressing a press conference here.

The police was not capable of carrying out effective investigations into the violence, they alleged.

They claimed that bus services remained disrupted affecting the common man due to shortage of staff, many of whom owed allegience to a particular political party and were afraid to report for work.

Marriage ceremonies and temple functions were also affected, they added.

The attacks which occurred in areas where tension prevailed were pre-planned and targeted as stated by the DGP, they charged.

The state government and the Home Minister were not acting seriously to contain the violence and the police was acting in a biased manner, they alleged.

The police was providing security to CPI(M) party offices in the affected areas and failed to conduct raids in party offices where weapons and country-made bombs were stocked, they alleged.

The state government or district administration should convene an all-party peace conference, they also demanded.

Even though UDF leaders had decided to observe a day-long fast in Thalassery tomorrow, police have declined giving permission.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Oommen Chandy is also expected to participate.

UNI AK PD PK RS1623