Tension in Kottarakara

By Our Staff Reporter

KOLLAM, MARCH 24. A hartal observed at Kottarakara by the LDF today and elaborate preparations by the Kerala Congress(B) and the UDF for extending a rousing reception to Mr. R. Balakrishna Pillai on his arrival here after release on bail from the Poojappura Central Prison led to tension erupting at Kottarakara town.

The youth wings of the LDF constituents had been on a campaign calling upon the Kottarakara public to ostracise Mr. Pillai in the wake of the Graphite case developments and his subsequent imprisonment. It was in this connection that the LDF had called for a hartal in the township with the aim that the public should ignore Mr. Pillai when he arrives there after his release from jail.

However, on the other hand, the UDF has been making preparations since yesterday for according a rousing reception to Mr. Pillai. It was in the midst of such a conflicting situation that the LDF organised a march through the town towards evening.

Stones were suddenly thrown at the marchers and this led to the eruption of tension. Kerala Congress(B) leaders said that the "stone throw story" was a ruse by the LDF to create tension and spoil the public reception awaiting Mr. Pillai. A heavy police posse has been posted there.

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Section  : Southern States
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