Call all-party meet to discuss terrorism: UDF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Monday asked the ruling Left to call an all-party meeting to discuss the recent terror-related incidents that have shaken the state.

In the last 10 days three incidents occurred in the state which has raised eyebrows. These are the Nilambur train sabotage, the discovery of explosives last week on a train at Mavelikera, and the chopping of the right palm of a college teacher by suspected Muslim fundamentalists last week.

Speaking to reporters after the UDF liaison committee meeting here, its convenor P.P. Thankachen said they would be glad to share their suggestions if such a meeting is convened.

“There is no doubt that the increase in terror-related cases is due to the Left government and the CPI-M taking a relaxed view of events,” Thankachen said, adding that the government had given “respectability” to those under suspicion. He cited the CPI-M fielding a candidate for the Ponani Lok Sabha seat last year who had been suggested by Peoples Democratic Party leader Abdul Nazir Maudany.

Falling short of calling Maudany a terrorist, Thankachen said that Maudany “is now a suspect by law enforcing agencies”.

“The people have not forgotten the way Maudany was received by CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan at an election meeting in Ponani last year. This very same Vijayan did not even bother to stand up when Chief Minister (V.S.) Achuthanandan came on to the stage at their party meeting last year,” said Thankachen.

The UDF is organizing a meeting Thursday to condemn the terrorists activities in front of the state secretariat which would be attended by all top leaders of the UDF, said Thankachen.