Kannur Murder: UDF boycotts Kannur peace talks; Launches indefinite hunger strike

The reconciliation talks called by the Government as an attempt to restore peace in Kannur district dispersed without any proceedings, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) faction boycotted the same. The talks in which state minister from the CPM AK Balan participated on behalf of the government, was convened in the background of the recent murder of Shuhaib, Congress worker allegedly at the hands of CPM followers.

The boycott was called by the Congress who argued that their legislators were not invited to the meeting. Even before the meeting got off to a start, Congress leaders rose in protest, and also pointed out that the CPM representative KK Ragesh, Rajya Sabha MP was occupying the dais against norms.

The UDF MLA's, KC Joseph, Sunny Joseph and KM Shaji who had arrived on the scene anticipating an invite waited outside the meeting room, entered the room and questioned the decision. The minister, whose reply railed to satisfy them, clarified the nature of the meeting and pleaded with them to help the smooth conduct of the session. But the UDF leaders objected to the presence of Ragesh and at their insistence he was moved out of the dais. However, on the grounds of their MLA's not being invited, UDF boycotted the meeting. They alleged that the decision spoke for the lack of good intention of the government.

The CPM leadership, led by district secretary P Jayarajan accused the UDF of staging a drama before the media, and opined that if they were sincere about the matter, the UDF leaders should have lodged a protest after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the fasting by Congress leader K Sudhakaran earlier declared as a 48 hour strike, has been made an indefinite hunger strike, to continue until their demands regarding the investigation are met.

After the meeting was over by noon, where leaders of all parties including the BJP were present, Jayarajan told the media that if any party worker was involved in Shuhaib's murder, the party would take stern against them.

Minister AK Balan, who was deputed by the government to conduct the meeting, informed that the government was ready for a CBI enquiry of the murder and they had no objection either to holding another meeting with the chief minister in attendance. He added that the meeting was held with notice to Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.