Punnapra-Vayalar survivors remember revolt that shaped 'a true communist'

SITTING in the living room of his small concrete house near Alappuzha railway station, 99-year-old A V Thampi is watching television visuals of people paying homage to V S Achuthanandan.

- ANNA JOSE @Alappuzha

Having participated in the Punnapra-Vayalar peasant uprising in 1946, a frail-looking Thampi narrates his experience of lining up behind the communist stalwart who passed away on Monday.

"VS was in his early 20s when he took part in the revolt," he says. "He organised coir workers and fishermen. He was tortured and thrown into prison. He became a popular leader after the party split in 1964. But even prior to that, he was loyal and a true communist," says Thampi.

And it is not just Thampi. Most people in Punnapra, Vayalar, and nearby areas have stories to share about VS and the space he holds in their hearts.

Recounting the agitation that shaped the communist movement in Kerala, they say they have no idea how many were killed by the troops of Sir CP (Ramaswami Aiyar).