Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P. Sathasivam has come down heavily on the murder of an ABVP activist in Kannur, saying it “disturbs me...sullies the image of the State”. “This has disturbed me a lot. As we are aware, our state, which has the best human development index, is also one of the least corrupt states, with a laudable law and order situation. In spite of such achievements, murders and clashes like the one which occurred in Kannur yesterday lower the image of the state”, he said.
The governor was inaugurating the Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2018, organised by the Department of Tourism, at which he presented Nishagandhi Puraskaram to the dance maestro couple V.P. Dhananjayan and Shantha Dhananjayan, on Saturday. Referring to the murder of ABVP activist Shyamprasad in Kannur, Mr Sathasivam said various wings of law-enforcing agencies such as police and Intelligence should work a little extra with better coordination to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that disturb peace.
These agencies should work in tandem with prosecution department and courts to ensure exemplary punishment for law-breakers speedily. He urged the political leadership to sit together and persuade their cadre to abjure violence and choose the path of peace. While complimenting the State Government for promoting art and culture by organising such cultural feasts, “I would also suggest that such programmes be taken to volatile and sensitive areas too, since art has the capacity to ease tensions and promote peace”. Definitely, such cultural initiatives would help prevent isolated incidents of violence.
