Incidents of violent clashes between the activists of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) were reported from various parts of the district on Friday.
According to Kanjirapplly police, eight UDF activists and two LDF members have been admitted to the government hospital following clashes between the two groups. The clashes occurred when the marches taken out by the two groups met at Petta junction. The police had to use force to disperse the violent mob.
In Erattupetta, LDF activists reportedly attacked the office of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) which had remained shut. A few chairs were destroyed and a shelf was pushed to the ground. A photo kept in the office was also pulled down. The police have registered a case.
At Kodungoor under Pallickathode police station, more than half a dozen people including a mediaperson was injured. Violence erupted when alleged LDF activists attacked the mandalam committee office of the Congress. Following this, the Congressmen laid siege to the National Highway.
Two LDF activists who came to the spot were rounded up by UDF activists and it led to more violence, forcing the police to resort to caning to disperse the mob. Violence was also reported from Erumeli.
Meanwhile, Kerala Congress (M) activists distributed laddoos to celebrate the “successful presentation” of the 13th Budget of party chairman and Finance Minister K.M. Mani. According to police authorities, security has been stepped up following the call for hartal by the LDF and for the scheduled reception for Mr. Mani who is expected to arrive in the district on Saturday evening.
