Marad talks succeed, govt to mull CBI option

The Kerala government today agreed to a proposal of a partial CBI probe into the May 2 Marad carnage that claimed nine lives. The agreement ...

The Kerala government today agreed to a proposal of a partial CBI probe into the May 2 Marad carnage that claimed nine lives. The agreement was reached in the final round of talks between leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities with Chief Minister A.K. Antony at his residence. The talks were mediated by eminent Gandhian P. Gopinanthan Nair.

The two communities also agreed on the vexed issue of rehabilitation of Muslim families that fled Marad beach after the violence. Under the agreement, rehabilitation would be undertaken soon.

Police vigil continues

KOZHIKODE: Even though a settlement has been reached between the Hindu and Muslim communities, police will not lower its guard in Marad. Police sources said they cannot take the risk of relaxing the vigil though there is a visible easing of tension in the area following the agreement.
‘‘It will take some time for the peace to percolate to the rank and file of both communities. The people in Marad were not part of the dialogue, which involved only the top leaders,’’ a senior police officer said. —ENS

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Speaking to reporters, Antony said the agreement covered most outstanding issues raised by Hindu outfits, who took up the case of the affected Araya community whose eight members were killed. The government has also agreed to raise the compensation for the families of those killed from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Those who were seriously injured would get Rs 5 lakh each and the other injured Rs 3 lakh each. The kin of those killed would also be given jobs in either government or quasi-government organisations.

Families that incurred loss of property would be given financial assistance through the Fisheries Department. All cases registered in connection with the agitations by various outfits would be withdrawn, according to the accord.

The parties to the accord included leaders of BJP, Hindu Aikya Vedi, Araya Samajam, VHP and IUML Ministers P.K. Kunhalikutty and M.K. Muneer who were authorised by various Muslim outfits to represent the community.

Antony said all the proposals agreed upon by the two sides, including the demand for a CBI probe would be placed before the Cabinet soon. The legal aspect of this would be considered by the Cabinet.

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Antony also announced a special package for the development of Marad. The package would include healthcare, potable water, road, electricity and seawall construction. A Coast Guard station would be set up at Beypore, besides a police station at Marad, he said.

Accord receives
guarded welcome

Kozhikode: After five months of agony and uncertainty the people of Marad heaved a sigh of relief with the two communities reaching an understanding in the presence of the Chief Minister today. Both Araya Samajam activists and the refugees staying at various relief camps welcomed the development. But there were no apparent celebrations in both the camps as the leaders and the affected parties still have doubts regarding the proposals which would be placed before Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

‘‘We welcome the proposal to order a partial CBI inquiry and to enhance the compensation. But a smooth rehabilitation will be possible only after a clear cut order for a CBI inquiry,’’ said Araya Samajam president K. Dasan. He added: ‘‘But things will be different as we will be closely watching the movements of the Muslims. We have lost our confidence in them and in the sneha sangamams which may follow.’’
Though most Hindu women declined to comment, they seemed relieved by the turn of events. ‘‘We are happy. Let them (Muslim women) come and live here. They are welcome,’’ said Uma, one of the residents.

Meanwhile, the womenfolk staying at the refugee camp run by the IUML at Chaliyam could not hide their joy. ‘‘We are dying to go back to our place. We were never against a CBI inquiry or the demand to enhance the compensation to the victims. But the government should take measures to compensate our losses too,’’ said Biyyathumma. ENS

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