Three political workers, one from the CPM and two from RSS, were stabbed to death on Wednesday in Thalasserry area of northern Kannur district, a place that has been witness to red-saffron clashes for the last 30 years.
Trouble started when RSS Thalasserry town 'karyavah' MP Sumesh was attacked in the evening, allegedly by a group of CPM workers. A seriously injured Sumesh was admitted to the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode. Within half an hour, the RSS retaliated by killing CPM worker Ranjith, police sources told Hindustan Times.
Violence spread to other areas and activists of the two groups attacked several houses of their political opponents. Northern range IG V Shantaram and top officials are camping in the area.
A worried Left Front has declared prohibitory orders in the violence-hit district. "A big contingent of police has been rushed to the area. The government will do everything to enforce peace in Thalasserry," said Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the state Home Minister. Thalasserry is his constituency.
A district bandh has been called by the BJP on Thursday. "The police force is totally biased in the district. Hand-in-glove with the police, CPM activists are targeting RSS-BJP workers," said state party chief PK Krishnadas.
{{/usCountry}}A district bandh has been called by the BJP on Thursday. "The police force is totally biased in the district. Hand-in-glove with the police, CPM activists are targeting RSS-BJP workers," said state party chief PK Krishnadas.
{{/usCountry}}Congress leader Ommen Chandy has also asked the government to a give a free hand to the police to enforce peace in the district.
The enmity between the two organisations here dates back at least three decades, during which over 250 political killings have taken place. In the last four months, at least five workers of the CPM and RSS have been killed in clashes.