DYFI resolution calling Kannur bomb blast victim ‘martyr’ sparks row after CPI(M) had denied party links

A resolution passed at the Kunnothparamba regional conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) describing a person who was killed while making a bomb at Panur in Kannur, Kerala, as a “martyr” has sparked a fresh controversy.

Sherin died on April 5, 2024 in an explosion at Mooliyathodu, Panur, while allegedly assembling a crude bomb. Another youth lost his hand in the incident. Reports had earlier indicated that around 15 DYFI activists, including Sherin, were involved in the bomb-making.

The Communist Party of India Marxist [CPI(M)] leadership had at the time denied any party connection to the activity. Both district and State leaders clarified that Sherin was not a CPI(M) worker. However, visits by local CPI(M) leaders to Sherin’s house following the explosion had triggered political controversy.

Despite earlier denials, Sherin’s name was included in the list of “martyrs” read out at the DYFI conference, reigniting the debate.

Party leaders have so far declined to comment when approached by the media.

The issue had earlier gained further traction with the election of Amal Babu, an accused in the Panur Muliyathod blast case, as secretary of the CPI(M) Meethale Kunnothparamba branch. Though the branch was initially dissolved citing no party link to the incident, Amal was appointed secretary a year after the explosion.