Oppostion stages walk-out

Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition staged a walk out in the Assembly today in protest against disarray at the top levels of police service.

The walk-out followed the Speaker N. Sakthan refusing permission to move an adjournment motion on the subject, given notice of by P. Ramakrishnan (CPI-M).

Opposition leaders alleged that there was paralysis in the administration of police, vigilance and fire force as government insisted that the top officials should toe the line of government in the investigation of corruption and other cases. The government was acting vindictively against officials who acted independently, Mr. Ramakrishnan said.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that due promotions had been given to police personnel at the top. It was trying to post them without demoting anyone. The Centre has been asked to increase posts of Director General of Police.  There was no link between the controversies such as that over  granting of clearance to flats by Fire and Rescue Services Department and posting of Director of Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau.