It is all about a poster

Posing a new threat to the government, a feud between congress leaders over a poster controversy once again rocks the kerala politics. Tirade between Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and K Sudhakaran MP draws a pathetic picture of politicisation of Police force too.

The controversy started with an incident occurred in Republic Day, still reverberates and the attempts to pacify the warring leaders are remain pretty bleak. A KPCC meeting held on Friday did not find any way out to throw cold water on. Though the fued started between two leaders, it has turned in to an all out factional warfare.

An order made by Anup Kuruvilla John, Distric Police Superintendent to remove a thanks giving poster Kerala Police Association addressed to K Sudharakaran MP for his release of Rs 10 lakhs to construct a swimming pool in armed police battalion camp was the reason behind the mudslinging. The poster erructed near the stadium was removed by the police just before the commencement of Republic Day Parade, in which Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was the Chief Guest. This was enough to provoke K Sudhakaran who claims to be leader of a feeble faction led by Central Minister Vayalar Ravi. Suspension of six police personnel intensified his anger and he openly attacked the distric police chief and indirectly attacked the Chief Minister.

Next turn was Sudharakaran’s rivals in Kannur. Former DCC President P Ramakrishnan and his retinue demanded disciplinary action against K Sudharkaran. They also said that the conflict between MP and Police Chief would not be accepted by the party workers.  Suddenly Sudhakaran loyalists said in a press conference that these leaders are raising issues that should be discussed in party forums and maligning the image of the Chief Minister and the United Democratic Front (UDF) government. They argued that the removal of posters was ill-motivated and an attempt to insult MP in public.

 In the meanwhile the posters carrying the portraits of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy put in the Kannur Collecterate were removed damaged by the Sudhakran loyalists. In many districts Sudhakaran loyalist had organised demonstration against the police chief and Chief Minister. This was occurred when Oommen Chandy questioned the legality of the poster put by Police Association.  Sudhakaran in a press conference warned that the Chief Minister is liable to protect the right of a representative of people. Chief Minister in press conferences repeatedly justified the action of Police Chief Anup Kuruvilla John. Mullappalli Ramachandran Central Minister of State for Home affairs also praised the police chief as one of the most efficient young police officer and given him a clean chit. Replying to this Sudhakaran said that Mullppalli has no political base among the party workers.

Party leaders, including former Ministers K.P. Nooruddin and N. Ramakrishnan; Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary Satheeshan Pacheni; and the former MLA A.D. Musthafa; said at a press conference here on January 31 that the posters in the Collectorate would not have been damaged and removed without the nod of Mr. Sudhakaran. At the same time a threadbare discussions on the polticisation of police force are also being conducted in both visual and print media.

Ghost of Marad riots haunts Muslim League

Marad a coastal village is still a wound scar on the face of Kerala a state which was well known for its communal amity. In 2002 and 2003 this village near the historic port Beypore, witnessed the worst communal riots in the history of the state. 13 people from Hindu and Muslim Communities were massacred in two riots. These riots were took place when A K Anthony was the Chief Minister.

The leadership of two communities was blamed for their role in the riots and at the same time CPI (M)’s objective role in defusing the attempts was hailed. When both communities started separate camps to protect their own members, CPI (M) conducted camp to protect both. Justice Thomas P Joseph Commission’s findings also mentioned many community leaders including Muslim League activists.

But the recent development on Marad investigations shows another blow to the ruling United Democratic Front. The reports in various media about the involvement of Indian Union Muslim League state Secretary M C Mayin Haji have created a huge wave in state politics. The reports were based on the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Crime Branch.

Before this facts hit the head lines, the removal of Crime Brach Superintendent C M Pradeepkumar, was also created a huge controversy. He was leading a Special Investigating Team to probe the larger conspiracy in the planning and execution of the massacre.  This team was constituted 2010 when LDF was in power. This was after CBI refused to investigate the case based on the recommendations of the Thomas P Joseph Commission. LDF government’s attempts to ensure a CBI probe were thwarted by Congress and Muslim League by pressurizing in Central Government.

Pradeep Kumar is posted as the Superintendent of Police, Kerala State Human Rights Commission.

It is became ample clear that the decision to shift C M  Pradeep Kumar by Department of Home affairs was to save the Muslim League leaders from further probe.

Apart from Mayin Haji, Muslim League Beypore Regional Secretary P P Moideen Koya also been named in the FIR framed by Crime Branch and a report regarding this is sent to Crime Branch Head quarters. In 2003 when T K Vinod Kumar, the City Police Commissioner was to register a case against Mayin Haji, the Commissioner was suddenly transferred.

The new developments also make Sanghaparivar forces worry. BJP National Executive member P S Sreedharan Pillai was also interrogated by the investigation team. BJP was also tried to disturb the probe.