Thousands pay homage to KM Mani in Kottayam

Kottayam: The mortal remains of the late Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani were taken to his residence at Pala late on Wednesday night after thousands of people, including political and social leaders, paid him homage at Thirunakkara ground  here around 10 p.m.

AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy, senior Congress leaders  Vayalar Ravi, K.C Joseph, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Janathipathya Kerala Congres leader K. Francis George, Dr K.C. Joseph and Johny Nellore were among those present at the Thirunakkara ground  to receive the body.

The funeral will be conducted with full state honours on Thursday afternoon. Pala Bishop Joseph Kallarangattu, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Pallikkaparambil and Auxiliary Bishop Jacob Murikkan will lead the ceremonies at his residence and at the St. Thomas Cathedral Church, Pala. Earlier on Wednesday, large numbers of people paid their last respects to him as the convoy carrying his body accompanied by his family members, party leaders and supporters travelled from Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi, to Kottayam.

As the convoy reached Appanchira near Vaikom in the evening, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached the spot to pay his respects. From Thirunakkara ground, he reached Kaduthuruthy school ground by a helicopter and went to Aapanchira via road.

The procession reached  Kaduthuruthi by 6.15 p.m., where Speaker Sreeramkrishnan, CPM veteran V.S. Achuthanandan, ministers Kadannappally Ramachandran, E. Chandrasekharan, A. K. Saseendran and Indian Union Muslim League leader K.P.A. Majeed paid homage to Mani.