Fire force training for Popular Front; two officials suspended, three transferred

KOCHI: Action has been taken against the fire force officials who gave training to Popular Front activists. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered suspension against the Ernakulam regional fire officer and the district fire officer.

The action is against fire force officers K K Shaiju and J S Jogi. Department level action will be taken against both of them. Three trained firemen will be transferred.

Soon after the incident sparked a controversy, fire force chief B Sandhya issued a circular directing firefighters not to train religious and political organizations. B Sandhya also suggested that training applications should be consulted with top officials. The circular also stated that training should be given only to employees of government-recognized organizations, businesses and civil defense personnel.

The fire chief had yesterday reported to the government that training given to Popular Front firefighters in Aluva is a serious mistake and that action should be taken against the five officers who had given permission for the training. The fire officials gave training to Popular Front at the Aluva Municipal Auditorium last Wednesday.

The incident happened at the state level inauguration of the newly formed rescue and relief organization of the Popular Front. The officials taught the Popular Front activists various methods of rescuing someone in danger and how to use the equipment.