UDF, LDF oppose BJP’s demand for AFSPA in Kannur

Thiruvananthapuram: The Assembly on Monday witnessed the coming together of ruling LDF and the Opposition UDF members in opposing state BJP's demand for clamping of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Kannur district.

Both LDF and UDF also denounced the outburst of BJP state leader Shoba Surendran against Governor P Sathasivam for his ‘inaction’ following the death of RSS worker Biju, allegedly by CPI-M workers in Kannur on May 12.

She had recently said that the governor should quit if he is "afraid" of Pinarayi Vijayan. She also said if the Governor had "some respect" for the post he holds, he should take action against the government.

Slamming the BJP for criticising Sathasivam, Vijayan said the saffron party was trying to ensure the Centre's intervention by threatening the Governor.

"Some BJP leaders in Delhi had also stated that they will not allow CPI(M) leaders to enter New Delhi. All these show the fascist character of the saffron party", he said.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala wanted the BJP to withdraw its statement against Sathasivam and said the "saffron party should not think that the governor is a tool in their hands".

Chennithala also said the UDF does not agree with the demand for imposition of AFSPA in Kannur.

Lone BJP member and former Union Minister O Rajagopal played down the remark against the governor by Surendran, saying it was not the view of the party.

"It was only an emotional outburst of a young leader", he said.

On the demand for AFSPA, Vijayan made it clear that there was no situation in the state that warranted the imposition of the act, which he said had only attracted widespread criticism from all sections of society.

Vijayan also brought up the alleged "excesses of the army under the cover of AFSPA, where the act was in force."

Later, UDF and BJP members staged a walkout when speaker P Sreeramakrishnan refused leave for a debate on the issue.

The RSS worker was hacked to death at Payyanur town in Kannur district, that has witnessed a series of clashes between ruling CPI(M) and RSS for the past one year.

Biju was an accused in a case relating to the killing of CPI(M) activist C V Dhanraj in 2016.