Widespread protest against arrest of Sasikala Teacher, Gopalankutty Master and Hindu activists

Kozhikode: The state witnessed various protest marches in different cities following the arrest of prominent Hindu leaders, including state President of Hindu Aikya Vedi Sasikala Teacher. The arrest took place over a protest fast organized to mark the second stage of protests over the Marad massacre. Other persons who were arrested are RSS Pranthakaryavahak Gopalankutty Master and 28 leaders of various Hindu organizations. They were later released on bail.

As part of the remonstration against the arrest, it has been decided to hold Dharnas tomorrow in various Taluks of the state. It has also been decided to hold a protest march in front of the Chief Minister’s residence on 1 May.

The second phase of protests over the Marad massacre was launched by Kummanom Rajashekharan protesting against the government’s inaction in handing over the probe to CBI. Even though the High Court had observed in August 2012 that an intense probe into the larger conspiracy behind the massacre was required, the state government has not yet initiated a probe.

“Both the UDF and the LDF governments have denied justice to the Araya community,” says Bharatiya Matsya Pravartaka Sangh state president NP Radhakrishnan.

“Soon after the massacre, the then chief minister A K Antony had assured us that the government was ready to probe into the incident using any agency suggested by the Araya community and would bring all the culprits before the law to ensure peace in the region. However, nothing has happened till date,” he said.

The tenth anniversary of Marad carnage falls on 2 May, 2013.

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