In Kerala, communally inflammatory reactions following murders raise the heat at places with history of political violence

The floods and the pandemic took the bite out of the political rivalry in several region. That peace, however, now appears under stress because of visible attempts to build up tensions in Kerala

Communally inflammatory reactions in the aftermath of the murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker in Palakkad last month by suspected PFI activists, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s allegation of conspiracy by the Sangh Parivar behind the murder of its functionary at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta a few days ago have raised concerns about escalation of tensions in parts of the State, especially the north Malabar region that has a history of political violence.

The politically volatile region, especially Kannur district, has witnessed no major incidents of political violence over the past few years. Peace initiatives at various levels have helped rival political workers come out of the spiral of retaliatory violence, mainly involving CPI(M) and BJP-RSS workers.

The floods and the pandemic have also taken the bite out of the political rivalry in the region. That peace, however, now appears under stress because of visible attempts to build up tensions. In the wake of the murder of local RSS leader S. Sanjith in Palakkad on November 15, there are fears about political and communal passions being stoked in the region.