Thursday, November 24 2005 12:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chingoli (Kerala): Charging the Union and State Governments with 'sloppy handling' of the kidnap of Border Roads Organisation driver Maniappan, Kerala opposition leader V S Achuthanandan said had they acted in an effective manner his life would have been saved.

"The Governments at the Center and in the state should have approached the issue far more seriously. A special team should have been constituted to handle the situation as is done during natural disasters," the Communist Party of India (CPI) Marxist (M) veteran told reporters after visiting Maniappan's family here yesterday (Nov 23, 2005) night.

Meanwhile, state Tourism Minister K C Venugopal said the State Government would provide all support to Maniappan's family.

"Supporting Maniappan's family is the Government's duty. We will do whatever is necessary," he said after calling on the members of the bereaved family.

A hartal is being observed in Karthikapally taluk of Alappuzha District to express public sorrow over the killing of Maniappan by his captors in Afghanistan.

A steady stream of people are still pouring in at Maniappan's house to share the grief of the family members.