CM initiative to evolve consensus on ending Kannur violence.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday convened a meeting with leader to leaders of CPM, BJP and RSS in a bid to find a lasting solution to the political violence in trouble torn Kannur district. The Chief Minister stressed the need for political intervention from all sides to bring an end to the political killings in the district. During the meeting both parties agreed that they would not encourage violence or criminal activities in the name of politics in the district. The two political arch rivals felt that in the event of a provocative action from either side at local level or isolated incident, the local or district leadership should take the initiative without fail to calm down their workers.
Most violent attacks including killings have a chain reaction in Kannur often leading to series of fatal attacks. Both sides believed that timely intervention by leadership could prevent things from going out of hand. Though all party peace meetings have happened after "tit for tat" killings in the district on several occasions, barring temporary truce these initiatives had failed to find a lasting solution to murder politics. Since the initiative to arrange bilateral talks between CPM and BJP-RSS have been taken by the chief minister himself, this time around political circles are hopeful of positive result.
But the biggest challenge will be when the question of allowing freedom for carrying political activities arises. The BJP and RSS have often accused the CPM of intolerance especially in allowing their organisational and political activities in Marxist strongholds. To what extent will CPM allow RSS that freedom remains to be seen. However, CPM and BJP leaders are happy with the outcome of the talks convened by the chief minister. “Our effort is to bring an end to political killings in Kannur district. All murderous attacks carried out knowingly or unknowingly should stop,” said CPM state secretariat member Anathalavattom Anandan.
He said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and everyone sounded optimistic. “We are hopeful that our efforts will be fruitful. The first step is all part meeting being held in Kannur tomorrow,” he said. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, state secretariat members Anathalavattom Anandn, M V Govindan Master took part in the discussions. BJP was represented by state president Kummanam Rajashekharan, O Rajagopal MLA, RSS prantha karyavahak P Gopalankutty Master and Valsan Thillenkeri.
BJP-RSS looks up to govt for action
The BJP-RSS combine has held the second round of talks with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on ending political violence across the state. Since the LDF came to power in May, they said the CPM had killed their eight workers besides scores of attacks, burning their houses destroying properties worth several lakhs of rupees. If it was the BJP-RSS leadership that sought a patient hearing at the Jan 21 meeting in his chamber, this time the government took the initiative to hold talks before Tuesday's all-party meet in Kannur.
They had sought a special investigation team on the killing of Dharmadam native C. E. Santhosh. After the talks on Monday, Mr Rajasekharan said they had offered wholehearted support to restore peace in the state. “Police should get the freedom to investigate the cases impartially,” he said. The Master said he was firm on his earlier stand that RSS was all for peace, but added organisational freedom was a constitutional right, not a favour. “Police should act impartially," he told DC. "We will forcefully intervene and control our workers and leaders will not make statements fanning violence.” RSS leaders Saha Prant Sanghchalak K. K. Balram and Prant Karyakari Sadasya Valsan Thillankeri also participated in the talks.
