Munnar 'Green Blood Revolution' Turns Bloody Red: 'Penkal Otrumai' Leader Attacked

Munnar 'Green Blood Revolution' Turns Bloody Red: 'Penkal Otrumai' Leader Attacked

By Countercurrents.org

10 November, 2015
Countercurrents.org

'The Green Blood Revolution' of Munnar, Kerala, India led by women workers of Kanan Devan Hill Plantations Ltd turned bloody as the leader of the movement who contested and won under the 'Penkal Otrumai' (Unity of Women) umbrella in the recently concluded Kerala local body elections was attacked allegedly by people belonging to trade unions.

Gomathi Augustine, the 'Penkal Otrumai' leader who won from the Devikulam ward in Devikulam block panchayat sustained minor injuries when she was assaulted on Sunday evening during a victory procession. That night, a group of people assaulted Gomathi’s husband and sons in their house. Gomathi was admitted to the Adimali hospital and she is under treatment for minor injuries.

The 'Penkal Otrumai' umbrella won three seats in the elections in the Munnar region.

'Penkal Otrumai' umbrella has truned the apple cart of major political parties at least one Panchayat. In Munnar Grama Panchayath where they won two seats 'Penkal Otrumai' hold the key to power. They will decide whether the Congress led United Democratic Front or CPI(M) led Left Democratic Front will come to power in the Panchayat.

The women tea workers of Munnar had led a heroic struggle in September and won 20 % bonus from Tata Tea led Kanan Devan Hill Plantations Ltd. The struggle was historic in many ways as it was an all women's struggle and it held the traditional trade unions at bay. The struggle then spread to many other plantations in Idukki district.