WAYANAD: Naxalite leader Kunnel Krishnan, aged 85, has passed away. He had been battling cancer and succumbed to it while undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram RCC.

He hailed from the Kunnel family of Thodupuzha and relocated to Wayanad near Mananthavadi in 1948. During his school days in Mananthavadi, he collaborated with A. Varghese. Subsequently, he joined the Communist Party and later the Marxist Party. Krishnan remained steadfast in his political allegiance to the Naxalbari movement until his demise.

Krishnan was directly involved in various militant activities, including the killing of Mathai in Kenichira Mutt, the assault on Janmi's residence, robbery incidents, and the attack on Kayanna Police Station. He endured imprisonment and torture on numerous occasions. He actively participated in recent popular movements, particularly in Wayanad and was an invitee to the State Council of Red Flag, representing the CPI (ML). Additionally, he served as the treasurer of the Varghese Memorial Trust. Survived by his wife Kanaka and children Ajith Kumar, Anoop Kumar, Arun Kumar, Anisha and Anish.