Author:
Publication: Manorama Online
Date: May 4, 2003
The meticulously-planned gruesome
massacre of eight people belonging to a particular community has pushed
unwelcoming dark clouds of communalism and extremism over the horizons
of Kerala, so far hailed as a beacon of amity and harmony.
True that literate and level-headed
Keralites have witnessed stray and isolated incidents of the nature in
the past. But the Marad Beach, where nine sturdy fishermen were axed to
death in a mere 30-minute time on Friday, symbolises much more, portending
bad omens for all those who crave and work for peace.
For one, it is the largest by its
nature in the State. What's more, it was a ''revenge killing'' on the same
plot of land, mocking peace-makers and the ruling machinery. Equally significant
is the fact that it has taken place just 16 months after a similar riot,
which left six dead on the shore.
The nature of the guerrilla-like
act, though the conspiracy is yet to be uncovered, gives an impression
of involvement of some extremist forces. And a sense of revenge writ large
on the victim community, aided by the Sangh Parivar, signals dark days
ahead, if the Government fails to act stern.
On the evening of May two, heavily
armed men in splinter groups pounced on fishermen belonging to a particular
community who were relaxing on the shores after the day's work. In no time,
the indiscriminate attack left nine dead and scores injured.
''It was a preplanned sudden attack
which lasted for just ten minutes. Apparently, it seems to be revenge killing,''
says City Police Commissioner T K Vinodkumar.
