CPI-M seeks Modi's intervention for peace in Kannur

Kannur, Oct 16 The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Kerala on Sunday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for peace in the Kannur district.

"The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is being guided by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah and hence Prime Minister Modi has to intervene to bring an end to the violence in the district," said state CPI-M Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Interacting with the media here, Balakrishnan said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was willing to call a peace meeting, if the RSS requested for it.

Since the Vijayan government assumed office in May, seven murders have taken place in this district -- of four BJP activists and three CPI-M workers.

Last week alone, two killings took place.

"Vijayan is the Chief Minister of the state and it is he who has the authority and powers and should take the lead calling for a meeting that could bring about peace in the district," said senior BJP leader M.T. Ramesh.

"We have time and again said that we will certainly do our role if such talks are initiated," he told reporters, reacting to Balakrishnan's statement.

Meanwhile, Loknath Behra, Kerala Police chief, said that investigations into the killings and violence are going on.

IANS