Govt for conduct of Thrissur Pooram in traditional way: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid uncertainty over the conduct of famous Thrissur Pooram following the Kollam temple tragedy, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Thursday said it would be allowed with strict restrictions and security measures in place, without giving a go by to traditions.

"The Pooram is being celebrated for the last several years. How can we say it cannot be held? But to avoid any kind of tragedy, it will be allowed with strict restrictions and security measures," he told reporters after an All-Party Meeting here.

"It is a general feeling that the Pooram should be held. It is not only the feeling of people of Thrissur district but of the entire state. Many feel that there should not beany hurdles to it," he said.

The all-party meeting discussed matters relating to fireworks display in the state in the wake of the Kollam tragedy that claimed 114 lives after the pyrotechnic show at Puttingal Devi temple went awry on April 10.

The government's stand comes amid a day-long protest staged by people of Thrissur demanding holding of the festivities without cutting short any of the age-old traditional practises, including parading of caparisoned elephants and fireworks display.

Asked how the Pooram will be held with restrictions, he said government was of the view that various guidelines and stipulations laid down with regard to pooram festivities, including parading of elephants and fireworks display,has to be adhered to.

Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly V S Achutanandan of CPI-M was among those who attended the meeting.