Govt for taking stern action on violence: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: An all-party meeting here Monday resolved to work for permanent peace in the northern parts of Kerala, especially Kannur district, which has witnessed political clashes mainly between CPI(M) and BJP activists after the Assembly polls.

"The government received full support and cooperation from all political party leaders who attended the meeting, to ensure peace and end violence," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said after the meeting.

He said the state government had assured that stern action would be taken against persons indulgingin political violence, irrespective of their party affiliations.

"It was agreed by all parties that they will denounce those who indulge in violence and breach the peace process. Steps would be taken to end the activities of certain groups and outfits in places of worship," Vijayan said.

It was also decided to install CCTVs in areas prone to violence.

Police would conduct searches and raids to recover country-made bombs and arms being manufactured locally, he said adding party leaders stated that production of arms and bombs in certain places was still continuing.

State ministers Kadanapally Ramachandran and K K Shyalaja, both from Kannur, took part in the meet.

BJP state chief Kummanom Rajasekharan, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, KPCC president V M Sudheeran, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, CPI state secretary Kannam Rajedran were among the prominent political figures in the meeting.

DGP Loknath Behra and Home Secretary Nalini Netto also attended the meeting, held as a follow up to the series of peace meets held at local and regional levels.