Kozhikode: At the moment, Kannur has returned to normalcy and hopefully lasting peace has returned. But invariably, every time we had a respite, a fallback to killings ensued.
This report on the recent violence chronicles the events of the last week.
Two CPM and five BJP workers including women were stabbed to death or seriously injured in Kannur district. Many houses and properties were destroyed after the political violence broke out recently.
This is the worst incident after a short break of peace in this northern district of Malabar. The rival parties roared in the street and created horrible scenes by throwing country bombs and using lethal weapons to kill. Even police could not take strong action to control the clash and violence. Thalassery, Kuthuparamba, and Panur areas were put under prohibition act by the police. Both the parties called for a hartal. CPM announced one day hartal in Thalassery area while BJP announced hartal in Kannur district to protest against the killings.
The political clash began when an RSS man was stabbed in Thalassery allegedly by CPM. After the incident, a CPM worker and auto driver was stabbed to death allegedly by BJP men. When planned attack and murder took place, police have become mute spectators. The violent mob even attacked police in some areas.
People were afraid of going out from their homes. Streets were isolated except roaming police vehicles for the last four days. Women and children are still frightened. Blood thirsty party men (it is better to call them political criminals) revenge upon the rival party. Planned murder and targeted attacks have made this area a disturbed place to live. No peace of mind, no freedom of social life. Whom to blame for all the political killings?
Most of the untoward incidents occurred in the constituency of none other than CPM leader and state home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Even the minister didn’t visit the spot for three days. There is allegation that police had lost its morality because recently there had been a controversial transfer. Many top strong police officers were transferred to other parts and some party loyalists were moved in these areas. Party workers carried lethal weapons and powerful explosives. Even police has been afraid of being attacked in the circumstances.
Police had said that many party villages for both parties were functioning here to organize and plan attacks against the rival. Due to strong pressure from local political leaders, police could not act freely.
Gandhi Peace Foundation Chairman has called upon to maintain peace here. The organization would start campaign and community meetings to make people aware against political murders. Opposition leader has undergone one day fasting in Kannur against the political violence. KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala accused the government for not acting properly against the political vandalism. He demanded the resignation of minister Kodiyeri Blakrishnan.
The home minister who had visited the affected area after three days, called upon party workers to maintain peace. He also warned strong legal action against those who were creating troubles. Chief minister VS. Acuthanandan will visit violent prone area of Kannur. Most of the political leaders made statement against the brutal murders of Kannur.
BJP leader Venkaia Naidu said that the CPM attack was deliberate and with government support. He warned that if CPM continues this, they will have to face similar situation in BJP ruled states. Kannur incidents reflected in Delhi also. Yuvamorcha workers marched to AKG Bhavan in protest against CPM attack in Kannur. Many pelted stones towards CPM office. Police intervened in time and the mob withdrew later.
The number of mothers who lost dear sons, wives who lost their husbands, the small children who lost their dear father, the brothers and sisters who lost their siblings has increased in different parts of Kannur district as the result of this barbarous killing.
