Keezhattoor march postponed, not dropped: Suresh Keezhattoor

KOZHIKODE: The U-turn of Vayal Kilikal on Long March against the state government not protecting interests of the agrarian community of Keezhattoor is a strategic move to keep the pressure on CPM and the monsoon to be over, says the farmers' action  council. It had given room for widespread speculation that they are in a process of a reunion with the CPM that ousted them.  Though first opposed tooth and nail the CPM district leadership had a 'house to house' visit to woo them back. 

CPM Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajan who first unleashed an all-out campaign against Vayal Kilikal himself came out in the open inviting them.  Suresh Keezhattoor, its leader, said the Long March was postponed not withdrawn.  "One of the reasons is the rains. It would be tough for farmers to march during monsoon," he told DC.  "There's a total change in the political atmosphere after its announcement. CPM also has learned many lessons from our agitation." 

"There is no doubt that we are in talks with many. But it doesn't mean that anyone will influence us," he said referring to the allegation that the leadership has bowed to the CPM pressure.  "The central government is also inquiring, and its report is also to be considered. The agitation is not for Keezhattoor only, but for the land, soil and nature."

Mr Keezhattoor claimed that the agitation had the support of 1,700 of 2,400 residents of three municipal wards.      The CPM was under tremendous pressure from the top over their agitation as they feared the Long March would have a dent on its image after the one its farmers' arm All India Kisan Sabha held in Maharashtra.