Kozhikode: The standoff between the SDPI and CPM in Nadapuram and Kuttiyadi region continued Monday with the former taking out a protest march to the SP office in Vatakara, demanding the arrest of the accused who had hacked one of their activists.
Police is keeping its fingers crossed and is taking steps to avoid retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, Kuttiyadi police arrested two CPM workers who allegedly helped the assailants who hacked SDPI activist Nissar.
Nadapuram DySP Premadas said the police had already identified the attackers and confirmed that they were local CPM workers.
“We have identified them. We will be arresting them soon. We have already arrested two persons who helped the assailants.” he said.
Meanwhile, cadres are preparing themselves for retaliatory attacks. Police said CPM cadres have been nurturing a grudge against Nissar, an accused in the 2001 Binu murder, and had been waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Nissar, however, escaped with severe injuries and is now under treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Several companies of police have been deployed to avoid the spread of clashes.
“Nadapuram and Kuttiyadi regions have been peaceful on Monday. There are no fresh clashes reported anywhere. Everything is under control, and we are keeping a strict vigil,” Mr Premdas said.
Police is also closely watching the activities of suspects in similar murders and is checking the activities of the attack squads of both parties.
“Virtually every party in this region has their killer squads. Usually, such teams do not commit attacks in their local area and are used for operations outside their district. But in this case, a local squad is involved,” another police official added.
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