Violence in Kannur over IUML worker's death

Widespread violence was witnessed during the funeral procession of the 22-year-old Youth League member

Tension prevailed at Kannur in Kerala as CPM offices and many shops in the Panoor area of Kannur were ransacked, suspected to be by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) workers, in retaliation for the murder of an IUML worker.

At least eight offices of the CPM, including branch committee and local committee offices, some shops and a library came under attack on Wednesday night soon after the funeral of IUML worker Paral Mansoor. The assailants also torched many CPM offices. Anticipating chances of retaliation heavy police, deployment was made in the locality.

The Kannur district administration and police have invited the political party leaders for peace talks on Thursday. CPM top leaders visited the spot on Thursday morning and condemned the attack.

IUML worker Paral Mansoor, 21, was murdered in election-related violence on Tuesday night. His brother also suffered injuries in the attack. One CPM activist was nabbed by the local people and handed over to the police. Local people suspect that at least 20 persons were in the gang that attacked Mansoor.