The United Democratic Front (UDF) liaison committee on Friday recommended more stringent security for Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his Cabinet colleagues in view of the attempts of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in particular to indulge in violence and isolate them.
In a major shift in its attitude, the UDF leadership gave a political direction to the Home Department to take steps to weed out Marxist sympathisers in the police force in Kannur district, many of whom had been posted there during the LDF rule.
Addressing a press conference here, UDF convener P.P. Thankachan said the ruling coalition suspected that the CPI( M) and the LDF were making preparations for violence. Citing the attacks on Congress offices in Kannur, he wanted the Opposition coalition to retract its stand since it was against the grain of democratic system in the country. The government is likely to upgrade the Chief Minister’s security ‘Z’ category subsequent to the UDF recommendation.
Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was called to the meeting to give a brief on the situation in Kannur district. Senior leaders criticised the police for its failure to ensure the Chief Minister’s security. Mr. Radhakrishnan detailed the security measures implemented on the occasion. The Chief Minister justified Mr. Radhakrishnan’s statements.
