Governor expresses concern over law and order situation

Thiruvananthapuram: Additional Chief Secretary (Home & Vigilance) Nalini Netto and Director General of Police Loknath Behra called on Governor P. Sathasivam on Thursday to explain the law and order situation in the State after the Governor expressed concern political murders in Kannur district.

As many as seven political murders had taken places over the past four months in the district, two of them this week, and the Centre had sought a report on the murders from the Governor.

An official release said that the officials had informed the Governor that earnest efforts were on to apprehend the culprits irrespective of their party affiliation.

Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan had informed the Governor on September 26 that a petition on the political violence in Kannur, received by the Governor and forwarded to Mr. Vijayan, was being acted upon. However, murders continued.

The Governor had appealed to the leaders of all political parties to convince their local units and cadres on the need to settle differences and disputes amicably and without resorting to violence of any kind.  Precious young lives have been lost in the violence and families shattered.

He also expressed hope that all the political parties would come forward to share the responsibility to maintain peace in areas witnessing violent incidents.

Meanwhile, the hartal observed by BJP over killing of its worker on Thursday turned violent at several prices. Tension prevailed as organisers of the hartal tried to stop movement of KSRTC buses and other vehicles. Media persons were attacked.