Kozhikode: 'Pada,' the Malayalam movie that portrays a political drama based on a pro-Naxal fringe outfit taking the district collector of Palakkad hostage in 1996, may make the new generation wonder whether such an incident would happen now. A closer look at Kozhikode will provide them the answer.
Twenty-five years after four members of Ayyankali Pada took Palakkad collector hostage for 10 hours, the threat of ultras still remains real. In Kozhikode, K Sunil, the president of Chakkittapara panchayat, a hilly area bordering Wayanad, has been under the protection of Thunderbolts, the elite, anti-Maoist commando division of the Kerala police.
The state accorded him security following threats by Maoists, who might strike if they get an opportunity.
'Kattuthee' lashes out
'Kattuthee' (wildfire), the organ of Maoists clandestinely circulated in the hilly regions of Kozhikode, has lashed out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CITU leader Elamaram Kareem, former minister and MLA T P Ramakrishnan and Sunil. They became the target of Maoists following their "move to hand over Chakkittapara panchayat to the land mafia."
The printed edition of 'Kattuthee' went acerbic at these leaders in an article titled, "Bellary Reddyiye Chavutti Purathakkuka," translated as "Kick Out Bellary Reddy."
'Kattuthee' criticised the leaders for handing over the land belonging to the Plantation Corporation at Chakkittapara to the mafia. The organ has also accused them of colluding with the mafia, leading to the environmental degradation of the Payyannikotta hills and polluting the Perubannamoozhi reservoir.
It was also alleged that all, from the chief minister to panchayat president, took bribes from a man, supposedly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and handed over the land for mining gold and iron ore. The presence of gold and iron ore has been confirmed in the area.
Maoist threat
The presence of Maoists was reported from Chembanoda, Muthukad areas of Chakkittapara panchayat three months ago. Panchayat president Sunil is under round-the-clock protection of Thunderbolts due to threat to his life. The intelligence wing had warned of a possible attack on his house at Payyanikotta, bordering the forest. Maoists had spent some time in the area the other day. Following the threat, Sunil had shifted to a house in Muthukad, which is also under Thunderbolt protection.
Increased Maoist presence
The district's hilly regions have reported almost constant presence of Maoists. The presence of six armed Maoists at Muthukad and Pashukadavu was recently confirmed. The ultras returned after collecting rice and vegetables from the residences of Nellimala Mathew, Agasthi Puthussery and Ratheesh Anjanikkal.
The Peruvannamoozhi police have registered a case based on the incident and are investigating.
It was also reported that a six-member Maoist group, including four women, had spent about 30 minutes at Maruthonkara and Pashukkadavu, and distributed printed version of 'Kattuthee' last month. Three months ago, Maoists were sighted at Chempanoda. Two Maoists visited the Muthappanpuzha area in Anakkampoyil, where the proposed Wayanad tunnel begins, and put up posters six months ago. The ultras were sighted at Poovaranthodu area also.
'Pada': A look into tribal land issues
'Pada' narrates the real incident of Ayyankali Pada taking Palakkad collector hostage on October 4, 1996, which the entire State watched with bated breath. Mundur Ravunni, the leader of radical outfit 'Porattam', confirmed that Ayyankali Pada was formed based on a plan by Maoist organisations.
Ayyankali Pada was formed to interfere in issues related to the land of tribesmen. The four-member team that took collector hostage had then demanded the State government to repeal amendments made to the Kerala Scheduled Tribes (Restriction of Transfer of Land and Restoration of Alienated Land) Act, 1975. The Act was meant to return to tribesmen their land taken over settlers.
Kunchako Boban, Vinayakan, and Dileesh Pothen play major roles in 'Pada', which hit the theatres the other day.