Kannur: Even as the political leaders assert that they have relinquished violence in Kannur, the figures on bomb-making in the district present an entirely different picture. Over the past five years, authorities have seized over 250 bombs from various locations across the district.

In the past two months alone, a total of 23 bombs were seized, along with the raw materials used in their production. The bombs are recovered predominantly from Panoor, Kolavallur and Thalassery. 

The bomb squad is carrying out a daily inspection across the district. As many as 8 blasts have been reported in the district in the past three years. As many as 10 persons were killed in the district after 1998. Out of the 10, six belonged to the CPM and four RSS. 

Mainly ice cream bombs, steel bombs and crude bombs are made by the political party workers in order to ensure their political upperhand in rural areas. Another reason for the bomb making is rivalry between quotation groups. 

The bombs are hidden in places which are difficult for police to find. The bomb squad have recovered bombs inside PVC pipes, holes dug up on the roadside walls and trees, secluded houses, abandoned lands, quarries, beaches, water tanks and even on top of sunshades and trees.  According to the police, those who are actively involved in bomb making are selected workers of political parties and quotation gang members.