Thiruvananthapuram: CPI Leader C. Divakaran here on Wednesday criticised the construction of the martyr's memorial honouring those who lost their lives in an explosion during manufacturing bombs in Panoor.

“Today's martyrs are not part of the freedom struggle. They are not martyrs who were shot dead during protests. They haven't spoken for the people. Instead, they're those who are in central jail. Entitling them as martyrs is an insult," said C. Divakaran. 

The memorial was built to honour Shaiju (32) and Subish (29) who were killed in a bomb blast that took place on June 6, 2015, in Panoor.

The martyr memorial is built at AKG Nagar, Thekkummuri.

The CPM had faced criticism from the Congress in Kerala on Saturday after reports emerged that the ruling party's state secretary is set to inaugurate a martyr's memorial for two individuals who died while making country bombs in Kannur district nine years ago. The CPM has not denied the reports.

Criticising the decision of the CPM to build a memorial for persons involved in "criminal activities," the Congress asked what kind of message this action sends to the people of Kerala.

"The CPM in Kerala is mirroring the actions of terrorist organisations and the Taliban globally. The inauguration of this memorial by the CPM state secretary demonstrates the extent to which the Left party condones terrorism," KPCC chief K Sudhakaran said in a statement in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to reports, the memorial named after Shaiju and Subish, who were killed on June 6, 2015, while making bombs on Kakrut hill in East Chettakandi near Panur, will be inaugurated by CPM state secretary M V Govindan on May 22.

In a statement, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the CPM is challenging Kerala society by constructing a martyr's memorial for two individuals who were killed while making a bomb.

He accused the CPM of betraying Kerala people who seek a peaceful life, alleging that the party has degenerated into a mafia group that condones and encourages anti-social activities.

Launching a scathing attack on the ruling party, the LoP alleged that the Left government is a party that even allows the manufacture of bombs to kill political opponents.

"History (of CPM) shows that heinous criminals who pose a threat to society are often later protected. The police should take action against leaders who engage in and justify such activities," he said.

Satheesan also said CPM state secretary Govindan should also be held accountable if he participates in the ceremony honouring "criminals" who died while making bombs.

He noted that the then party secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had claimed the party had no involvement in the 2015 blast.

"Despite that, the then Kannur District Secretary, P Jayarajan, received the bodies of those killed after the post-mortem. Now the CPM is building a martyr's memorial. What a double standard this is!" he said.  with PTI inputs.