Chandy discharged from hospital, asks CPI(M) to shun violence

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was injured in stone pelting during the LDF protest in Kannur, today virtually held the CPI-M responsible for the incident.
"Earlier also there had been incidents like hurling of rotten eggs, sticks and stones in various places since the LDF launched their campaign but only now they had hit the target," Chandy, who was discharged from hospital, told reporters.
The Chief Minister said in a democracy violence had no role and thanked the UDF workers for conducting their protests over the incident in a peaceful manner.
On the claim of CPI(M) that their party had nothing to do with Kannur incident, Chandy said, "I welcome this statement of CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan if he had made it sincerely."

Chandy, however, pointed out that all the three gates leading to the venue of his programme had been blocked by the CPI(M) workers and the police had refrained from using force, which avoided more trouble.
"I had given instructions that no police action should be taken against protestors, when I got the information that all the three gates leading to the venue of his meeting had been blocked by CPI-M workers," Chandy told reporters on being discharged from the hospital.
On Home Department's proposal to put him under 'Z' category security, Chandy said he was already protected well and did not wish any further security.

"I do not want to keep away from people and my safety is in their hands," Chandy, who will turn 70 on October 31, said.