THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The freedom struggle in Kanyakumari has not been mentioned much in the written histories of the freedom struggle. The hosting of the tricolour flag on top of the chariot during the famous Suchindram chariot festival in January 1947 and the subsequent firing in which three people were killed are part of history that haunts the old generation.

The freedom struggle in Kanyakumari is one of the few written histories of the freedom struggle. Even as the Vaikom Satyagraha was gaining strength, untouchables were prohibited from entering the chariot paths in Suchindram. The struggle against this is also an iconic tale. According to historians, around 300 people were punished in Kanyakumari at various stages in connection with the freedom struggle. But the names of many of them are not found in the historical records.

When the Committee of Indian National Congress was formed in Thiruvananthapuram in 1919, Dr. ME Naidu, a native of Nagercoil, was a member of it. It was under his leadership that many struggles were organized and won in Kanyakumari district.