Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 01: A final decision on the vexed issue of rehabilitation of Muslim families that fled Marad area in Kozhikode district in the wake of the may two carnage is to be taken by the state cabinet this evening. The cabinet which was earlier scheduled to meet in the morning was deferred to the afternoon for last-minute efforts to ensure that the operation would not trigger violence. Chief Minister A K Antony has been holding discussions with leaders of UDF constituents and the Hindu outfits since yesterday. A prominent Gandhian has also offered his mediatory services in the matter. Earlier attempts of the administration to bring back the families living in relief camps had flopped amidst stiff resistance from the Hindu fishermen community in the area to which belonged eight of the nine persons killed in the coastal hamlet. Though several persons were arrested in connection with the incident, charges framed, two special courts set up and a judicial probe ordered, Araya Samajam representing the Hindu fishermen community and Sangh Parivar outfits remained stubborn in their demand for a CBI probe.

Meanwhile, District Collector to Sooraj told a news agency in Kozhikode the district administration did not receive any fresh instructions from the government asking to put the rehabilitation process on hold.

Asked about reports that the rehabiliation may be further deferred to avert a possible showdown between the two sides, Sooraj said "Such apprehensions are there, but we are fully geared up to meet any situation in case we are asked to begin the operation".

Bureau Report