MINOR BOMB EXPLOSIONS IN NORTH KERALA RAISE

UNCLAS CHENNAI 000476 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - DATE ON PARAGRAPH ONE SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PTER ASCE CASC IN SUBJECT: MINOR BOMB EXPLOSIONS IN NORTH KERALA RAISE SECURITY CONCERNS ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Two crude bomb explosions in Kozhikode (formerly known as Calicut),located in the northern part of Kerala, on March 10, highlighted the activity of Islamic groups dominant in the region. In view of the anti-U.S. attitude of these groups, security precautions are advisable while planning visits and other programs by U.S. Mission employees in the region. END SUMMARY. -------------- FRIDAY EXPLOSIONS MEANT TO TERRORIZE -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On March 3, two small country bombs (crude, homemade devices) made of firecracker material and timer devices, exploded in two bus stations in Kozhikode city, injuring a policeman and a bystander. Local police have begun investigations but no arrests have been made so far. In a telephone call to a local newspaper, an unknown organization named "Al Kanoon Kerala" reportedly claimed responsibility for the bomb explosions but the police have yet to verify the veracity of the claim. ¶3. (SBU) Commissioner of Police H. Venkatesh (protect) informed Post that the investigators are looking into possible motives. Venkatesh said that Muslim groups who oppose the ongoing court trials of the 137 Muslims accused in a 2003 case of communal killings at Marad near Kozhikode might be behind the bomb blasts, but this is yet to be confirmed. Kozhikode is a coastal city in north Kerala with a significant Muslim population. ¶4. (SBU) According to Madhavan Nair, a senior journalist with the newspaper, The Hindu, and based in Kozhikode, the explosions were not meant to kill. He told Post that there were anonymous calls to the District Collector's office and a local newspaper office informing authorities of the bombs and that the explosions took place while the police teams were conducting their search. He believes that the explosions were aimed at testing the reaction of the local police or to create panic among the public during the election time. Kerala state assembly elections are set to begin on April 22. ¶5. (SBU) Nair told Post that local Muslim groups such as the NDF (National Development Front),established in 1993, pursue a covert Islamist agenda, and receive funds from Gulf countries with large presences of expatriate Keralites. He said that there is a build- up of communal tension in north Kerala, and in some places country bombs are being manufactured. On January 2, Kerala Police seized 45 gelatin sticks from a transport corporation cloakroom in Kozhikode, following a tip-off. -------------- COMMENT: SECURITY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED -------------- ¶6. (SBU) COMMENT: In the backdrop of these recent events, albeit minor, and the anti-U.S. attitude of the Islamic groups dominant in the region, we recommend that U.S. Mission programs and visits to Kozhikode and other north Kerala towns be coordinated with the Regional Security Office at Consulate General Chennai. END COMMENT. HOPPER