Martyr's memorial for those killed during bomb making in Kannur; Inauguration by MV Govindan

KANNUR: CPM built a memorial for Shaiju and Subeesh of Panoor Chettakandi, who were killed on June 6, 2015, while making a bomb. The memorial, funded by donations from the public, commemorates those who were initially rejected by the party when they were killed. The inauguration of the Comrades Shaiju and Subeesh Martyrs Memorial will be conducted by the party's state secretary, MV Govindan on May 22.

The bomb-making incident occurred in a deserted field on top of a hill in East Chettakandi, within the jurisdiction of the Kovallur police station. During the incident, the bomb exploded killing Shaiju and Subeesh and injuring four others. At the time, then CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan asserted that the party had no involvement in the blast, accusing opponents of spreading false information for political gain. However, P Jayarajan, the CPM district secretary of Kannur at that time, received the bodies of the deceased which were subsequently cremated on party land.

Fundraising for the memorial began in February 2016. June 6th is now observed annually as Martyrs' Day in their honour. Despite the controversy surrounding the Panoor blast, the CPM has established this memorial in Kannur for those who died in the incident.

The arrival of CPM Panur area committee member Sudhir Kumar and Poyilur LC member A. Ashokan at Sherin's house stirred controversy. The visit came after party leaders, including state secretary MV Govindan stated that Sherin and the injured Vineesh had previously assaulted CPM workers and had been rejected by the party. CPM initiated an investigation into leaked footage of the leaders' visit, attributing the leak to local factionalism within the party.

CPM leader KK Shailaja commented that if party leaders did visit the homes of those involved in the Panoor blast case, it should be scrutinized. She emphasized that those involved have no connection with the party, suggesting that the allegations against the CPM are malicious.