THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Friday announced that it will withdraw all cases registered in connection with protests held across the state in support of the NEET agitation in Delhi, with home minister Ramesh Chennithala directing police not to pursue any of the FIRs as the demonstrations were peaceful and centred on an issue of national importance.Addressing reporters, Chennithala said the decision was taken after requests from Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and chief minister V D Satheesan.He said several youth organisations and political parties had organised demonstrations across Kerala expressing solidarity with the protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.“Several cases were registered in connection with those protests. We received many requests seeking withdrawal of these cases. The chief minister forwarded all those representations to me, and I have directed the DGP not to proceed further with any of these cases,” Chennithala said.Although FIRs had been registered in several instances, the protests were held over an issue of national importance and did not involve any violence, he said.“It was a positive agitation highlighting a major public issue. Even the Supreme Court took a positive view of the matter. No violent incidents took place here. Therefore, I have directed the DGP not to proceed with any of the registered cases,” he said.Asked about the number of cases that would be withdrawn, Chennithala said directions had been issued that no further action should be taken in any of the registered cases, irrespective of their number.The home minister said joint searches by the police and the Prison Department under ‘Operation Toofan’ were continuing in jails across the state following complaints about the use and sale of narcotic substances inside prisons.Responding to a question on the alleged use of delivery personnel in drug trafficking, Chennithala warned of strict action.“The use of delivery personnel for the distribution of drugs will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict action will be taken against those involved,” he warned.Commenting on the Vigilance department’s decision to close the Punarjani FCRA case against Satheesan, Chennithala said the probe had found no evidence against the chief minister.He said the Vigilance Director had only observed that alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) did not fall within the jurisdiction of the state agency and, if required, would have to be investigated by central agencies.“The Vigilance categorically stated that there was no evidence against Satheesan and recommended closure of the case. When such a report is submitted, how can the Home Minister insist on proceeding with the case,” he asked.Rejecting the CPI(M)’s criticism of the decision, Chennithala said the previous LDF government had also not referred the matter to any central agency despite remaining in office for years.“If they want to approach the court, they are free to do so. We have no objection,” he added.(With PTI inputs)