Kerala BJP demands AFSPA in Kannur, governor prods Pinarayi
The BJP petitioned the Kerala government to clamp the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Kannur where another RSS was slain on Friday.
Published: 13th May 2017 04:41 PM | Last Updated: 14th May 2017 05:52 AM | A+A A-
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (File | PTI)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Expressing concern over the continuing retaliatory political murders in Kannur, Governor P Sathasivam asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to initiate immediate steps to curb the cycle of violence in Kannur.
The Raj Bhavan said in a press release on Saturday the Governor had asked the Chief Minister to take strict and immediate action to curb such disturbing incidents and to send a positive signal to the peace-loving citizens of the state.
The Governor’s action came after a BJP delegation led by O Rajagopal MLA met him at the Raj Bhavan and submitted a petition seeking action against the culprits behind the murder of Biju (26), an RSS functionary, at Payyannur in Kannur.
The petition said the Sangh Parivar had lost 14 activists in nearly 500 attacks unleashed by the CPM workers and alleged the state government was supporting the perpetrators of violence in Kannur.
The Governor’s office also said the BJP leaders demanded imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the violence-hit areas of Kannur.
The BJP leader’s petition has been forwarded to the state government.Earlier in October 2016, the Governor had asked the state government to initiate steps to curb the political violence in Kannur. However, the Left parties termed it as an attempt by the BJP to create an impression the law and order situation in the state was deteriorating.
However, the Governor summoned former Home Secretary Nalini Netto and former DGP Loknath Behera to initiate steps to restore normalcy in the district.
