Kerala Blast: All-party meeting in Kerala led by CM adopts resolution to condemn efforts to sow mistrust

In an all-party meeting in Kerala called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, a resolution was adopted to condemn the “efforts to sow the poisonous seeds of mistrust and intolerance” and “devious attempts to cause dangerous societal disunity” in the state.

“Spreading hatred against any creed should not be tolerated… All people are requested to stand united to single out any attempt to denigrate Kerala, its proud secular tradition, cultural heritage, and social distinctiveness by looking at any single incident,” said the resolution. The meeting also identified those who seek to demonize a particular community based on a one-off incident as “public enemies”.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan assured that steps are being taken to strengthen the intelligence system and that a thorough investigation is being conducted. He also said strong action will be taken against those spreading misinformation through social media.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan told reporters after the meeting that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has joined the government in condemning attempts to spread hate and misinformation targeting a particular community. “Guesswork and finger-pointing in the aftermath of a traumatic crime imperils public peace,” said Mr. Satheesan, in criticism of a ruling from a leader for trying to link the blasts with the state’s solidarity with the people of Palestine.

BJP spokesperson C Krishnakumar demanded a NIA probe into the matter, saying that people are not convinced by the claims of the man who took responsibility for the blast.

On Sunday, two bomb blasts in Kalamassery in Ernakulam district of Kerala claimed three lives and injured 41 at a Jehovah’s Witness prayer convention. A former member of the evangelist group, Dominic Martin, took responsibility for the blasts.