Clashes: CPM, BJP hold out olive branch

In an attempt to restore peace following the spate of political violence unleashed by CPM and RSS workers, a peace meeting was held at the Government Guest House.
Leaders of the CPM and BJP before the peace talks in Kannur on Saturday
Leaders of the CPM and BJP before the peace talks in Kannur on Saturday

KANNUR: In an attempt to restore peace in the state following the spate of political violence unleashed by CPM and RSS workers, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, along with RSS prantha karyavahak P Gopalankutty, on Saturday held a peace meeting at the Government Guest House here on Saturday.

At the meeting it was decided to urge party workers to refrain from violence and continue branch-level peace discussions. The meeting was also attended by CPM district leaders led by CPM district secretary P Jayarajan.“All possibilities will be explored to bring in a peaceful atmosphere. The workers will be asked to refrain from violence,” CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said.  

The leaders of both the parties admitted the violence unleashed by their workers had affected the law and order situation in Kannur, especially at Payyannur and Thalassery. 
The local-level leaders of both the parties will hold more talks in Payyannur and Thalassery on August 11 and August 16 to discuss the means to reinstate peace in the area. District leaders will also attend the meeting, Kodiyeri said.

“We have discussed the issue with great  seriousness. The CPM does not encourage any sort of violence. We will ask our members to restrain themselves. The decision taken at the peace talks will be passed on to the ground-level committees. Any provocation from any member of the party will be treated seriously and action will be initiated against them,” he said.Kummanam Rajasekharan said the party will take all efforts to reinstate peace in the state. “We will direct the party workers to refrain from violence and cooperate to reinstate a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

All-party meet in Thiruvananthapuram today

The all-party meet called by the Chief Minister in the wake of the recent political clashes will be held here at 3 pm on Sunday.  The meet has been called as per the decisions taken at the bilateral meet between CPM and BJP.

Jaitley to visit slain RSS activist’s house

With Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s arrival here on Sunday to visit the house of slain RSS activist Rajesh, the BJP and RSS are planning to keep alive the  issue of political violence before the public and media.

P Raju takes a dig at Pinarayi

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