Homeland pays homage to Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

KANNUR: The lifeless body of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was greeted with loud slogans by the party workers, leaders and masses who had been waiting for hours.

The memory of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the front-line fighter of the revolutionary movement would be at the forefront of the historical leaders of the party.

Tens of thousands from different parts of the state flocked to Thalassery to pay their last respects to former CPM state secretary and PB member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

The body was brought from Chennai to Kannur airport by air ambulance at 12.55 pm yesterday. His wife Vinodini, son Bineesh and daughter-in-law Rineeta were with him.

It took two hours for the funeral procession to reach the town hall of his hometown Thalassery. The activists followed with slogans. The procession was stopped at 14 centres for the people to pay their respects.

Following this, emotional scenes unfolded in Thalassery Town Hall. While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saluted his dear comrade who had accompanied him like a brother, Kodiyeri's wife Vinodini fell on top of the freezer where the body was kept.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior leaders wrapped the red flag on his body. The Chief Minister also offered a floral wreath.

Women and children, wearing badges bearing Kodiyeri's photo, reached the town hall on a silent march from all directions. Public viewing went on till late at night. The police paid their respects in front of the town hall. SNDP meeting General Secretary Vellappally Natesan and other dignitaries also came to pay their last respects.

Kannur Unit Chief MP Shyam Kumar and Bureau Chief OC Mohanraj offered floral tributes for Kerala Kaumudi.

The body will be placed for public viewing today at the house and CPM district committee office in Kodiyeri. Police will pay respect at home.

A hartal will be observed today in Thalassery, Dharmadam and Kannur constituencies as a mark of respect to Kodiyeri.