LDF Starts Indefinite Blockade of State Secretariat

12 Aug 2013
Trivandrum

The Left Democratic Front’s indefinite blockade of State Secretariat began today, with thousands of activists from all over the state blocking its three gates. The Cantonment Gate, however, has not been blocked by the activists. The Central Reserve Police Force is not dealing with the blockade from the frontlines. The CRPF will be deployed only to deal with any untoward incidents which may occur later in the course of the agitation, though a company of CRPF has been deployed inside the Secretariat.

The State Cabinet held an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation. Five ministers were booed by a crowd at Bakery Junction while they were returning after the Cabinet meeting to take stock of the situation. The LDF activists have now assembled at Bakery Junction in large numbers completely blocking traffic through the area. Activists have also started small public meets in Vellayambalam, Museum and Palayam. Six ministers will continue to function from the Secretariat.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy met the State Governor and briefed him about the situation. Later talking to mediapersons he hinted that the government may not be averse to a judicial probe as demanded by the opposition after the police probe ends.

All the approach roads to the Secretariat have been taken over by the State Police. Vehicular movement has been diverted in many parts of the city including Pattom. Reports said a driver was injured in stone pelting on a police vehicle at Vellayambalam. Stones were also pelted on a KSRTC bus at Vellayambalam.

The LDF had earlier stated that all the gates of the Secretariat would be blocked. However the decision to spare Cantonment Gate is reportedly due to an informal agreement between LDF leaders and the Government. LDF leaders had demanded that Central Forces should be deployed near the Secretariat and that Section 144 should not be clamped. The Government on its part had said the Cantonment Gate should not be blocked. This compromise formula seems to have worked out though there is no conformation about such a deal from both the sides.

Source– http://www.yentha.com/news/view/1/ldf-sponsored-siege-of-secretariat-begins

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