CPI-M, BJP workers continue to clash, tension in parts of the State

Kannur/Kottayam: Tension prevailed in some parts of Kannur and Kumarakom areas of Kottayam district Sunday following continuing incidents of sporadic violence allegedly involving CPI-M and BJP cadres.

In Kannur, known for political violence, miscreants allegedly hurled country-bombs at the residence of BJP District President K Ranjith early morning, police said.

At least four other incidents of bomb attacks had been reported from Kannur in which houses of workers of both the parties were targeted last night, in continuing violence since a CPI-M worker and a BJP-RSS activist were killed in two separate incidents in Kasargode and Thrissur districts on Aug 28, they said.

CPI-M alleged that four persons, including a pregnant woman, were injured in a midnight attack targeting a party worker's house in Iritty area by RSS-BJP activists, but police did not mention any casualty.

Police believe that the continuing sporadic incidents of clashes were a sequel to the violent attacks between members of the two parties in Azhikode panchayat in the distict on Friday night.

Tension prevailed in Kumarakom in Kottayam district after a CPI-M local leader's car was torched allegedly by RSS-BJP workers last night.

Meanwhile, BJP accused CPI-M of unleashing violence in the state.

"The CPI-M, apprehending a backlash in the upcoming Panchayat elections, is unleashing violence," BJP National Executive Committee member P K Krishnadas said in Kannur after visiting the residence of Ranjith.

CPI-M Kannur District Secretary P Jayarajan said there would be permanent peace in the district if the RSS-BJP abandoned weapons.

In the backdrop of the clashes, state government has said strong action will be taken against those forces trying to disturb peace in the state.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala Saturday alleged that there was a "planned move" by CPI-M and BJP to spread violence in the state.