The state Intelligence has reported that the activists of political parities linked with various extremist groups are behind the violence taking place at Kothamangalam.
The Intelligence officials said that hundreds of activists from Idukki and Ernakulam districts are being transported to Kothamangalam to create violence in guise of supporting the nurses’ strike. Last day, more than 20 motor bikes were damaged and stones were pelted on a bus.
“Extremist groups are exploiting the situation,” they said.
“The agitation got a bit out of the hand. Other groups are creating trouble without the knowledge of the INA officials. These people don’t want a discussion in the issue. So they unleash violence against the people who are coming for a peaceful discussion.
“Labour Commissioner’s vehicle was attacked by them,” Intelligence officials said.
INA state joint-secretary, Jomon John said they never wanted anyone to unleash violence to support their cause.
“Violence is not part of our agitation. We don’t know who are operating here. But some of them who attempted to pelt stones at the police from the backside of the protest were caught red-handed. We did not call for a hartal,” Jomon said.