Coimbatore limps back to normalcy

The situation in Coimbatore, which witnessed sporadic violence following the murder of a Hindu Munnani functionary, is limping back to normalcy.
Shops and other establishments pulled up their shutters, even as government buses and other modes of transport like autorickshaws and taxis were seen plying.
Sasikumar (36), district spokesperson of the Hindu Munnani, was returning home in Subramaniam Palayam, on the outskirts, on a two-wheeler when four unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles on September 22 night.
The trouble started during the funeral procession of the functionary yesterday, as supporters targeted roadside shops and pelted stones following which the Hindu Munnani had called for a state-wide bandh.

At least 12 policemen were injured, 20 government buses damaged, one police jeep and an autorickshaw burnt and some shops damaged in the violence.
One hundred and eight persons were arrested in connection with the violence in 12 police station limits, police said.

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Meanwhile a group of city lawyers under the aegis of All India Lawyers Union urged the police commissioner A Amalraj to take stringent action against those who involved in violence and arson during the funeral procession of Sasikumar.
In a memorandum to Commissioner, the lawyers, led by M Anandan, AILU district secretary and S Annadurai, district secretary, People's Union for Civil Liberties, expressed concern that the mourners had targeted places of worship and shops belonging to the minority community.

Meanwhile, over 100 activists of various political parties and organisations staged a demonstration here, condemning yesterday's violence and arson by a group of Hindu outfits, police said.
They demanded that police bring to book those who had incited the violent activities.