Date:24/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/24/stories/2007112451840300.htm

Kerala

High security as two anniversaries approach

Senior police officials in the northern districts have been instructed to step up vigil in communally and politically sensitive areas, writes Biju Govind

The police are taking precautionary measures in Malabar in view of the anniversaries of the killing of K.T. Jayakrishnan, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leader, in Kannur on December 1 and the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6.

The anniversaries had been observed without any untoward incidents till last year. However, this time, the police are being extra cautious following a spate of violence between activists of political parties and communal outfits in Kannur and Kozhikode districts.

Kundan Singh Jangpangi, Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP), North Zone, said senior officials in the northern districts had been instructed to step up vigil in communally and politically sensitive areas.

Police patrolling would be strengthened along the national and State highways and border areas of Kasaragod district on account of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. An alert had been sounded in the communal hotspots of Manjeswaram, Uppala and Kasaragod. Usually, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition passed off peacefully. But, he said, many organisations are using it to whip up communal passions.

Additional forces will be deployed to prevent any trouble. Stern action will be taken against perpetrators of crime, Mr. Jangpangi said.

Intensive surveillance

Surveillance will be strengthened, as intelligence inputs say some Muslim outfits are likely to create trouble raising the Nandigram incidents in West Bengal.

The police are seriously viewing a recent statement made by Abdul Nasir Maudany, People’s Democratic Party leader, that people had forgotten the demolition of Babri Masjid.

A couple of days ago in Kasaragod, the Maudany demanded that under-trial prisoners in the Marad massacre on May 2, 2003 be released.

The National Development Front, another Muslim organisation, has launched such a campaign raising that demand.

The Marad Araya Samajam, supported by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has come out against the demand.

Less than a fortnight ago, clashes broke out in Kannur and Kozhikode districts between activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party. In Thalassery, Koothuparamba and Pannur areas of Kannur, two Communist party activists were killed. Azhiyoor, Kottappally and Perambra also saw violence.

Activists of the CPI(M) and the Indian Union Muslim League clashed recently following an attack on Haj pilgrims at Kadavathoor in Kannur district. The police fear that fundamentalists will try to foment trouble raising this issue on December 6.