Making of martyrs: Outrage in Kerala over CPI(M) honouring bomb-makers with a memorial

The Left party had initially distanced itself from the incident and did not acknowledge the deceased individuals. However, nine years later, the CPI(M) has built a memorial in their honour, terming them martyrs.

This move has sparked a controversy, with the Opposition Congress vehemently criticising the ruling party’s decision.

Opposition leaders argued that glorifying individuals who were involved in such a dangerous and illegal activity would set a troubling precedent. They accused the CPI(M) of attempting to rewrite history and sanitise the party’s past actions.

Publicity materials said CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan would inaugurate the memorial, constructed with donations from the public, on 22 May.

Kannur’s shame: Infamous crude bomb culture, and intended (and unintended) victims

What happened in 2015?

CPI(M) workers Subeesh and Shaiju were killed and two others were injured when a bomb they were clandestinely making exploded near East Chettakandi in the Kakrotkunnu area of Panoor in the Kannur district, in June 2015.

The area is politically sensitive and has witnessed several BJP-CPI(M) clashes. The locals then stated that they heard a loud explosion near Shaiju’s house.

According to the police, the deceased were identified as Vadakaey Karal Subeesh (25), and Kilabil Shaiju (35), both residents of Thekkum Muri, while Rathish (26), and Nijish (28), residents of Koyiloor were injured.

Subeesh and Shaiji, who were grievously injured, died while they were being rushed to the Thalassery Cooperative Hospital.

The police had said that Shaiju was involved in over 18 cases related to clashes with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Congress, and BJP members.

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CPI(M)’s initial reaction

A controversy erupted as the police raised suspicion that party members, in a bid to cover up the explosion and blood stains, set the area on fire.

They also tried to shift the bomb-making materials from the area.

A poster that refers Shaiju and Subeesh as martyrs

However, materials used for making bombs were recovered from the spot following an inspection by the bomb disposal squad and the dog squad. Blood stains and human body parts were also found in the area.

The CPI(M) immediately went into denial mode, particularly because the local body elections were around the corner, which took place on 2 November and 5 November. 

The then CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan denied the allegations and demanded a proper investigation into the case.

He then clarified that the party had no role in the blast and that the rivals were utilising the incident to their advantage by disseminating false information intended to weaken the party.

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The party’s U-turn

Now, the party has included both in its list of martyrs, promptly displaying their names on its official website, with the description that “On 7 June, 2015, comrades Subeesh and Shaiju were killed while resisting RSS violence.”

CPI(M) website says that Shaiju and Subeesh were martyrs as they lost their lives while resisting RSS violence

Slamming the party’s decision, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly VD Satheesan said it was a blatant attempt to glorify violence.

“In 2015, the party conveniently disassociated itself from these individuals. Now, after nearly a decade, they are being hailed as martyrs. This exposes the hypocrisy of the CPI(M),” he said.

The CPI(M) was challenging society and by glorifying those who had planned a violent attack, the party has betrayed Keralites who want a peaceful life, he said.

Referring to the crude bomb blast near Panur in Kannur on 5 April, which resulted in the death of one person and injured another, Satheesan said, “Let’s wait and see when the party construct another memorial.”

Sherin, a resident of Kaivelikkal, had succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode, and Vineesh, lost a palm in the Panur blast.

While reports said both were supporters of the CPI(M), party state secretary Govindan stated they were not affiliated with the party and that the party had already distanced itself from the duo.

The memorial has raised questions about the CPI(M)’s commitment to upholding the law, and its approach to political violence.  

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Local issue: CPI(M)

Reacting to a query regarding Congress criticism on the issue, Govindan said, the party decides whether he participates in the programme or not.

“This is a local issue. There is no need to make it a mountainous issue and discuss it in the news. The district leadership of the party has to answer in this regard,” Govindan told reporters on Sunday, 19 May.

When asked about his reported decision to participate in the programme, he said, “It is the party that decides whether I participate in the programme or not. There is no other discussion about it.”

(Edited by Neena with PTI inputs)