V S Achuthanandan to Be Laid to Rest in Valiyachudukad

Alappuzha:The soil of Valiyachudukad, where the martyrs of the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising found their eternal rest, is now preparing to welcome another towering figure of Kerala’s political history, V S Achuthanandan. As the day unfolds, crowds continue to gather at this hallowed ground, where the land itself seems poised to embrace the beloved leader of the oppressed.

It is here, among the revolutionary spirits and stalwarts of the working-class movement, that V S Achuthanandan, the pride and conscience of Kerala, will take his final rest. He will lie alongside the greats, including the martyrs of Punnapra-Vayalar and comrades like P Krishna Pillai.

Also resting here are the comrades who helped shape his path: P Krishna Pillai, who first recognised the fighter and leader in V S; P K Chandranandan, K R Gouri Amma, P K Kunjachan, N Sreedharan, P K Vijayan, Simon Aashan, R Sugathan, T V Thomas, P T Punnoose, George Chadayamangalam, and C K Chandrappan, towering figures of Kerala’s communist and working-class movements. V S now joins them as an undying flame of struggle.

Until his health allowed, V S continued to visit and pay tribute to the martyrs of Punnapra. His last visit was during the 73rd anniversary of the historic uprising. Since early Tuesday morning, people have been arriving at Valiyachudukad to pay their respects. Many were moved to tears as they witnessed the solemn preparations for his cremation, watching in silence, their grief etched in every glance.

At Valiyachudukad, the flags of both CPI M and CPI have been lowered, while black flags have been hoisted in mourning. Outside, tributes bearing the revolutionary slogan “Lal Salaam” honor the legacy of a leader who never ceased to fight for the people.