Strike hits normal life in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress on Monday called for a 12-hour bandh in Kerala against the killing of its two workers in Kasargode a day earlier.

A group of ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) workers allegedly waylaid and hacked Kripesh, 21 and Sharth Lal, 24, to death when they were going homes in Periya.

State Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran blamed CPI (M) activists for the murders even as the ruling party denied any involvement. He cited eyewitness accounts and said both were “well-planned and executed political murders”. “It is sad the party still feels it can silence its political opponents by annihilating them,” said Ramachandran.

Inspector general Balramkumar Upadyaya said they suspect the murders could have been a fallout of “skirmishes” between Congress and CPI(M) workers some days back. Kripesh and Lal were arrested and later released on bail for allegedly assaulting CPI (M) worker P Peethambaran.

The Kerala high court took cognisance of the bandh without notice. It also directed the state government to take measures to open educational institutions and resume public transport.

CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan promised strong action against workers if they were involved.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “Congress stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice.”