Thiruvananthapuram, September 22 (BPNS)
The state committee of the Popular Front of India (PFI) has called for a 12 hour hartal on Friday. The hartal, according to PFI, is against the raids and arrests conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday. To them, the move was an act of ‘injustice’ and ‘state-sponsored terrorism. The NIA along with other agencies had conducted its first-ever crackdown against the PFI as they carried out searches in 93 locations in 15 states of India viz Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Bihar, and Manipur.
According to the NIA, the searches were conducted at the houses and offices of the top PFI leaders and members in connection with five cases registered by it. “There is continued inputs and evidence that the PFI leaders and cadres were involved in the funding of terrorism and terrorist activities, organizing training camps for providing armed training and radicalizing people to join banned organizations,” reads an excerpt from the press brief released by the NIA.
At the same time of the 45 PFI activists arrested, most were from Kerala (11). Eight other Keralites were also arrested by the NIA Delhi unit. Thus, the total number of PFI activists who got arrested with Kerala connections was 19.
Total number of arrests and their connections
7 – Karnataka
11 – Tamil Nadu
1 – Uttar Pradesh
2 – Rajasthan
4 – Andhra Pradesh
1- Telangana
Meanwhile, PFI state general secretary A Abdul Sathar alleged that the RSS reined fascist government is trying to silence voices of dissent using central agencies.
“All those who believe in democracy should come forward to make the hartal a success,” said him in a statement.
Earlier in the day, PFI activists staged protests across Kerala as soon as they heard about the early morning searches. The protest marches were carried out in almost all districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur.
At the same time, state police chief Anil Kanth directed all district police chiefs to ensure the law-and-order situation in their respective jurisdictions.
“Those who violate the law and those who use coercive measures to shut down shops and to obstruct vehicular movement will be dealt with strongly. Once such persons were brought to the notice of the police a case will be charged against them and arrest will also be recorded,” said Anil Kant.
According to ADGP Vijay Sakhare (Law and Order), social media monitoring will be done to ensure that fake news is not being spread regarding the hartal. He also added that adequate police protection will be provided to those using the public transport system, offices, and other establishments.
