BJP leader demands white papter on Kannur violence

Kozhikode, Mar 10 (UNI) Describing the recent political violence in Kannur, in which seven people were killed, as ''State-sponsored'', senior BJP leader P S Sreedharan Pillai today demanded a white paper on the issue.

Addressing a press conference here, the party national executive member accused the police force of remaining a ''mute spectator'' despite ''well planned'' attacks being carried out on his party cadres allegedly by CPI(M) activists at Thalassery and its surrounding areas in the northern district.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishan visited the area only three days after the incidents, enabling the CPI (M) cadres to ''achieve their target,'' he alleged.

The attitude of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who kept mum on the issue till yesterday, also stood testimony to the administration backed crimes, Mr Pillai alleged.

On senior BJP leader M Venkiah Naidu's statement reportedly inciting the party cadres to retaliate in Kochi two days ago, he said it was a clear case of disortion of views expressed by the former.

Mr Naidu had asked ''what would happen to the CPI(M) activists if the BJP-ruled states retaliated.'' Accusing the CPI(M) of ''sponsoring'' a majority of political crimes since the LDF assumed office nearly two years ago, he said a white paper on the issue was necessary for the people to be aware of what was going on.

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