Hundreds bid farewell to veteran leader

KOCHI: Braving strict curbs imposed in the wake of latest surge in COVID-19 cases, hundreds of people including leaders, ordinary workers, party loyalists and Let sympathisers thronged Ayyankali hall in Trivandrum to pay homage to legendary Communist leader KR Gouri Amma, 102, on Tuesday. Draped in red flag, mortal remains of the revolutionary actor of Kerala, was taken to Aroor for the funeral. Communist leaders MA Baby and acting secretary of ruling Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPIM), A Vijayaraghavan covered Gouri Amma’s body with the red flag. Ater allowing public to pay homage to the departed leader, the funeral procession headed for Aroor for the last rites.

Police had a tough time managing the crowd ater hundreds of people assembled in Ayyankali hall.

Police managed to control the rush by arranging seats inside the hall.

Only those who obtained the police pass were allowed to pay homage to Gouri Amma.

The state government relaxed the COVID-19 restrictions for paying last respects to Gouri Amma.

The “Iron Lady in Kerala politics” passed away at a private hospital in Trivandrum on Tuesday. She breathed her last at 7am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment in the ICU, hospital sources said.

Gouri Amma was admited to PRS Hospital a week back due to fever, breathing trouble and urinary ailments.

She was shited from her residence in Alappuzha to the house of a relative in state capital recently.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan condoled the demise of Gouri Amma.

Vijayan said, “Comrade KR Gouri was a brave fighter, dedicated her life to end exploitation, build an egalitarian society. She made seminal contributions in building the Communist movement and as an administrator.” “Let’s show respects, by pledging to build a more progressive society. Red Salute!” Pinarayi said in a tweet. Khan said that Gouri Amma’s exceptional courage and inspiring leadership made her a true symbol of woman empowerment.