Oppn walks out over terror-link issue in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 26: The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala staged a walkout in the State Assembly on Wednesday, Nov 26 accusing the Achuthanandan Government of failing miserably to contain the activities of extremist elements.

They walked out of the House after Speaker K Radhakrishnan refused leave for an adjournment motion, sought to be moved by Mr Aryadan Mohammed (Cong) on the basis of a reply by Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan that there was no such alarming situation in the state.

The Home Minister pointed out that Kerala had not reported any extremist attack during the past 30 months. However, four Keralites with terror-links had been killed by security forces in Jammu Kashmir recently.

On the basis of the report, the state government had conducted an inquiry and nabbed some persons having terror links. Search operations had been intensified for two suspects.

He said extremism would be dealt with iron fist irrespective of caste or religion.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan also assured the House that stringent measures would be taken to contain extremist activities in the state.

However, Deputy Leader of the Opposition G Karthikeyan alleged that the government failed miserably to book those having extremist links.

Earlier seeking leave for motion, Mr Mohammed alleged that the Left Democratic Front Government was taking a soft stand towards extremist elements because it came to power with the support of People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Development Front (NDF).

UNI