We don't defend political murders in Kerala: CPI

A BJP activist was allegedly hacked to death in Kannur district, last Wednesday

Voicing concern over spurt in political violence in Kerala's Kannur district, the Communist Party of India has urged the CPI-M to exercise restraint and not get provoked by the RSS as it has the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the LDF-ruled state.

"It's very unfortunate that continuously these type of murders and revenge murders are taking place," CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy told PTI.

"Both should exercise restraint, particularly RSS. Every time, it's the RSS, who has done it first (political murder). That does not mean that I defend the revenge murders (by CPI-M). Both should exercise restraint," he said.

"Our advice (to CPI-M) is exercise restraint, and not to get provoked (by RSS) with this type of things and after all it's the responsibility of government of Kerala about the law and order situation. More responsibility is with CPI-M as it's in government (as the lead partner)," Reddy said.

He charged the RSS-BJP with trying to create a "communal atmosphere" by "these" (political violence).

Reddy alleged that BJP president Amit Shah has appealed to editors of all news channels and newspapers that "this (political violence in Kannur district) should be made an all-India issue ... It should be in limelight. That shows they have got ulterior motives".

He denied suggestions of cycle of political violence happening whenever CPI-M is in power in Kerala, saying, "Even earlier it was taking place, even when CPM was in opposition".

BJP activist Remith was allegedly hacked to death in Kannur district, the hometown of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last Wednesday, within 48 hours of the murder of a CPM activist and toddy shop worker Mohanan.

The BJP called a 'hartal' in Kerala last Thursday to protest against the killing of its party activist.