Appealing for peace in violence-wracked Kasargod and Kannur districts in north Kerala, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala today sought co-operation of all political parties and media to restore normalcy in the region.
"Political parties and the media should help bring in peace in these districts, disturbed by clashes between party workers," he told reporters here.
The minister warned that the government would take stern and impartial action agaisnt those indulging in violence over the past few days that erupted in the wake of clashes between CPI(M) and BJP workers.
Earlier, Chennithala held detailed discussions with Additional Director General of Police (North Zone) Shankar Reddy over the "deliberate" attempt of violence.
"There is no truth in the criticism against police in the districts. The clashes in Kannur and Kasargod are deliberate attempts to disturb peace in the districts," he said.
Police could not be blamed for the sudden and unprovoked incidents of violence, the minister said.
He urged CPI(M) and BJP workers to shun violence.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister presented the P V Sami memorial industrial and Socio-Cultural award for this year to noted industrialist and philanthropist Dr Siddeek Ahmed here today.
Former Union Ministers K Veerappa Moily and Vayalar Ravi besides Kerala Industries Minister P K Kunhali Kutty also spoke at the function.
State JD(U) chief and CMD of Mathrubhumi daily M P Veerendra Kumar presided over the function.
