No evidence of connection between Popular Front, Let and Hizbul Mujahideen - Kerala Government

Kochi, Sept 6 (PTI):

The Kerala Government today informed the state high court that Investigators have not obtained evidence regarding the alleged connections of Popular Front of India (PFI), which allegedly launched a attack on a college lecturer in July, with Hizbul Mujahideen, Laskar-e Taiba (Let) and Al Queda.

R Rajashekharan Nair, Deputy Secretary (Home) submitted in a counter affdaivit filed in a PIL by gireesh babu seeking a ban on PFI and to handover the investigation on the attack of the lecturer to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The government assured that proper and detailed investigation shall be conducted by the state against the activities of PFI.

The state government also claimed that terrorism is not deeprooted in the state. There has been no major terrorist attack in the state.

The power to ban PFI rests with the Union Government, it was stated.

The PFI was formed after the merger of KFD (Karnataka Forum for Dignity of karnataka), NDF (National Development Fund of Kerala) and MNP (Manitha Neethi Pasarai of Tamil Nadu)which are active in south India.

Allegations regarding flow of foreign funds to extremists was under enquiry by police and state intelligence.

The investigation into the attack on college lecturer, Prof T J Joseph, was progressing and this cannot be transferred to the National Investigation Agency. The case is being investigated by senior officials on a daily basis.

Meanwhile G.K Pillai, who reviewed the centrally-aided police modernisation schemes during a meeting with DGP Jacob Punose and other officials, said "Kerala is a state known for communal harmony and any threat to it will have very adverse consequences,"

On banning Popular Front, G.K Pillai said the outfit had not come under the 'unlawful activities' parameters. At present there was no move to ban the outfit, he added.