CPI to protest Govind Pansare’s death

Chennai: The killing of veteran CPI leader Govind Pansare in Pune has evoked spontaneous protest across Tamil Nadu by his party cadres. Anti-toll tax campaigner Pansare was shot at along with his wife Uma on February 16 in Kolhapur while returning from a morning walk, by unknown assailants.

The 82-year-old CPI leader succumbed to bullet injuries at a Mumbai hospital late Friday night. “Condolence meetings are being held in all the places across the state including in Perambur by our party cadres,” said party state secretary D. Pandian. As a mark of respect, the party flag will remain lowered for three days, he added. Mr Pandian will lead a demonstration in front of the Chennai collectorate at 10am on Sunday condemning killing of trade unionist Pansare.

The protests are being organised across the state following the call given by the party’s central leadership. “We will carry on the struggle for which Pansare laid down his life,” he said.