The Hindu : Kerala News : Chandy warns against bid to create tension at Punnad

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 15, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Chandy warns against bid to create tension at Punnad

By Our Staff Reporter

KANNUR, JUNE 14. The United Democratic Front (UDF) convener, Oommen Chandy, has said that the Congress will not encourage any attempt by communal elements to instigate tension. He told mediapersons today after visiting the house of the National Development Front activist, P.V. Muhammad, who had been hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers at Punnad, near Iritty, last week, that he would bring to the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony's attention the complaints of the local people about the `lapse' in the police investigation into the murder case.

Mr. Chandy also urged other parties and organisations not to exploit the sensitive situation following the murder and the subsequent attack on the house of the local RSS leader, K.A. Damodaran.

The UDF convener also visited the house of Mr. Damodaran. He was accompanied by A.D. Musthafa, MLA, Mullappally Ramachandran and Satheeshan Pacheni.

Two more arrested

The police today arrested two RSS workers in connection with the murder of Muhammad. The arrested have been identified as Punchayil Shaiju alias Unni (22) and Parammal Biju alias Vijesh (23). Three RSS workers had been arrested on June 12.

Twenty RSS workers, including the district leader of the RSS, Valsan Thillankery, have been listed as accused in the murder case.

CPI(M) protest

The CPI(M) took out a demonstration at Punnad here this afternoon in defiance of the police restriction on the function in view of the tension in the area. The police had served notice on the CPI(M) area committee banning the demonstration and public meeting at Punnad.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala