Kerala: Hansraj Gangaram Ahir seeks report on political violence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union home ministry has sought a report on the political violence in the state. Minister of state for home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir sought the report at a meeting with senior state government and police officials here on Wednesday. He also held discussions with Governor P. Sathasivam on the law and order situation here. The minister, who termed the meeting as routine, said the political violence, as well as complaints by BJP leaders in this regard, were discussed with senior officials and top police brass, DGP Loknath Behera.

The steps taken by the police to contain the political violence, mainly at Kannur, were also reviewed. He was understood to have expressed Centre’s concerns over them and lapses in nabbing those behind attacks on party offices. The BJP had earlier demanded Kannur be brought under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Mr Ahir said steps taken to strengthen the coastal security was also reviewed and discussed proposals for the purchase of more patrol boats and better infrastructure for strengthening coastal security.

The Centre would provide funds for police modernisation. The meeting also reviewed Maoist presence at Kerala-Tamilnadu-Karnataka tri-junction in forest areas and increasing terror threat from Pakistan. "There were reports of Maoist presence in the tri-junction. Also, Pakistan sponsored terror modules would explore all options to create problems in the nation. The police need to be highly vigilant against this. The community policing activities could strongly resist radicalisation of youths. So far only 22 youths from the state were reported to have joined the (so called) Islamic State," he said.

The minister also said the fake note menace had come down considerably these days. Additional chief secretary Paul Antony represented home secretary Subrata Biswas at the meeting.