Rise in blast cases in Kannur, admits CM
Big crackdown on explosives production: Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday admitted in the state assembly that there have been repeated incidents of bomb blasts in some areas of the northern district of Kannur and said the police will conduct more vigorous investigations there.
The submission by Vijayan came while rejecting the Congress-led UDF opposition’s demand to adjourn the House proceedings and discuss the issue of repeated instances of bomb blasts in Kannur district.
Claiming that a peaceful environment prevailed in Kannur, the CM said that the police were taking strict measures, including inspections, to prevent the manufacture of explosives.
“The government is viewing the recent incident and similar instances very seriously and police have been directed to take stringent actions. Do not try to give it a political colour,” he said.
He said that a case of unnatural death has been registered under the Explosive Substances Act in connection with the demise of an 86-year-old man in a bomb blast at Thalassery on Tuesday and a serious investigation is being carried out by the police.
“Therefore, there is no need to adjourn the House proceedings to discuss the issue, “the CM said and based on the explanation given by Vijayan, the Speaker denied permission for the opposition’s adjournment motion.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan said that bomb making was being “encouraged and sponsored “by the ruling Left in Kerala.
He said this was evident from the fact that those party workers who died while making bombs were being honoured as martyrs.
“People of all ages, including children, have died and been maimed in the bomb blasts. I urge you to put down your weapons, including bombs, and fight on the basis of ideology.
“This government along with the police is encouraging criminals and bomb making activities,” he alleged.
Deputy Leader of Opposition P K Kunhalikutty said that the situation has gone out of control of the ruling Left in the state.
The adjournment notice was moved by several UDF MLAs, including Sunny Joseph, who contended that despite repeated instances of bomb blasts, the CM always said that the police were investigating.
“But these incidents keep repeating, “he claimed, giving various instances of people getting seriously injured or dying in bomb blasts in Kannur district over the years.