VELLORE: Kannamani, from Dharmapuri, sowed and spread the concept of ‘classes’ and spread enmity between the classes in the minds of youngsters in rural areas turning them into a potent and deadly force against wealthy landlords spreading terror, with villagers becoming petrified at the very mention of the names of the Naxals.
“Many educated and unemployed youth from Madapalli, Madavalam, Seethampalli and neighbouring villages became part of the Naxal movement,” said a 56-year-old merchant, on the condition of anonymity.
They targeted and killed several prominent persons in the late 70s. The Naxalites bombed the house of a landlord Kesavareddiar and killed him with his wife and three-year-old granddaughter. They also murdered Srinivasan and Nainathi Govindar on May 3, 1978 near Tirupattur and attempted to murder the then Tirupattur Municipality Chairman Arunachalam.
The extremists also attacked Pachaiyappan, a constable attached to Tirupattur sub-division,in Bazaar area all of which increased the sense of insecurity among the public.
Promoting the concept of ‘class enemy’, the Naxalites indulged in dacoity, robbery and arson targeting wealthy farmers and landlords.
”They set fire to sugarcane fields, coconut groves, banana groves and other seasonal crops and looted valuables from wealthy people. We used to register 10 to 15 cases every single night,” said retired SP M Ashok Kumar, who was at the time of Operation Ajanta a Sub-Inspector of Police.
Ashok Kumar escaped unhurt in a major road accident when his team was taking a Naxalite for inquiry. In the accident, constable S Adikesavalu and a Naxalite were killed while many policemen sustained serious injuries.
“Civilians were scared of the Naxalites and the kind of weapons they possessed. We educated the public and warded off their fear. Later, they extended good support to eliminate the extremists,” he added “Several residents of Tirupattur still wish me and are grateful to my family for the sacrifice of my husband,” said Chelliah, son of Constable C Murugesan, who was killed in a Naxal attack on August 6, 1980 along with two other policemen.
