Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) members disrupted Assembly proceedings for the second consecutive day on Thursday alleging police high-handedness at Edathala in Aluva.
Anwar Sadath, who gave notice for an adjournment motion on the issue, said policemen travelling in a private car took Usman, an NRI who was out to break the Ramzan fast, into custody after the car hit the vehicle he was riding.
The MLA said when he contacted the police station, the police officers on duty abused him and his mother who were also observing the fast. When Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rose for reply, Opposition members disrupted his speech. Mr. Vijayan said the police team was travelling in a private car as they were out to interrogate an accused in a POCSO case. Following an altercation between the people at the spot and the police, Usman was taken to the police station. He admitted there were lapses on the part of the police, but added that those involved in a bus-burning case at Aluva were present there and questioned their motive.
Encouraging terrorism
He warned the Opposition against encouraging terrorism.
Mr. Vijayan said Aluva was not an independent republic and some people there had no right to attack the police. The Opposition still could not discern the real terrorists.
This triggered an Opposition protest and they rushed to the well. Left Democratic Front members too came out of their seats.
After assuaging the Opposition, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan called K.C. Joseph, who was holding charge of the Leader of the Opposition, for an explanation.
Mr. Joseph said that the Chief Minister called the people of Aluva terrorists and cast aspersions on the Opposition.
Mr. Vijayan said he only meant there was a group of terrorists in Aluva, but there were others who opposed it too. “Such elements are there in Kerala society and it is a danger. Some among those raising the din here are supporting them,” he said.
Communalising issue
He accused Mr. Sadath of linking Ramzan with the issue to communalise it and asked whether the Assembly could be used for creating communal divide. The government was committed to secularism and would protect the rights of everyone. Mainstream parties opposed terrorism, but some people in such parties tend to support them, he said.
The reply provoked the Opposition. They moved to the well shouting slogans, but the Speaker completed the listed business in haste and adjourned the House for the day.
