Panchayat staff allege ‘death threats’ by CPI(M) leaders for removing flex boards, flags in Kerala’s Kannur

A placard held by employees of the Pinarayi panchayat in Kannur in protest against the alleged threats.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Employees of the Pinarayi panchayat office in Kannur, Kerala, have alleged that local leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] entered the office and issued death threats for implementing the Kerala High Court order to remove flexboards, flags and flagpoles on roadside.

The incident, which reportedly occurred around 4 p.m on January 24, 2025, involved the party’s Pinarayi local secretary Nandanan and local committee member Nikhil who allegedly threatened to “chop off the employees hand and legs.”

Protesting against the threats, the panchayat employees staged a ‘silent demonstration’ on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) by covering their mouths and holding placards. The employees said they were “obliged to implement the court order.”

A protesting member said that the High Court had earlier directed the removal of flagpoles and related structures from roadsides that posed danger and obstructed traffic. This was discussed during an all-party meeting where political representatives, including CPI(M) members, agreed to comply. However, when party members failed to act, panchayat employees undertook the task as non-compliance would have held the panchayat secretary accountable for fines.

Notably, many of the protesting employees belong to Left-leaning organisations.

Although the employees have not formally filed any complaint yet, the panchayat administrative committee convened an emergency meeting to address the matter.

The Pinarayi police confirmed that though there was a protest, no complaint has been lodged so far.