Kerala Pays Final Tribute to MLA Kanathil Jameela: Public Homage Continues in Koyilandy

Kozhikode: The funeral of Koyilandy MLA Kanathil Jameela, who died following a battle with cancer, will be held today at 5 PM. Her remains will be interred with official honors at the Kuniyil Kadavu Juma Masjid cemetery in Atholi, Kozhikode. The body, which had been kept at a private hospital in the city, was received by her family and CPI(M) leaders this morning and taken to the CPI(M) District Committee office for public homage.

Public viewing was arranged from 8 AM to 10 AM at the CPI(M) District Committee office, C. H. Kanaran Mandiram, where party leaders and workers paid their final respects. The body was then taken to the Koyilandy Town Hall for public tribute. At 1:30 PM, a further homage will be held at the Miami Convention Centre in Thalakkulathur Panchayat near her residence. The body will then be taken to her home in Choyikulam, Atholi, at 2:30 PM ahead of the final rites.

Kanathil Jameela was a prominent figure in Kerala’s public life for over three decades. She served two terms as Kozhikode District Panchayat President and earlier held positions as Panchayat President and Block Panchayat President, earning recognition for her administrative capability and commitment to grassroots governance. She was widely respected for her contributions to local government and public welfare initiatives.

In the 2021 Assembly election, Jameela defeated Congress candidate N. Subramanian by 8,572 votes, becoming the first Muslim woman MLA from the Malabar region — a historic milestone in Kerala’s political landscape.

In recognition of her service and as a mark of respect, an LDF-organised hartal will be in effect in the Koyilandy Assembly constituency from 2 PM to 5 PM on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a silent procession and condolence meeting will take place in Koyilandy at 4:30 PM. Most shops in the town will remain closed until Tuesday afternoon, while hotels and cool bars will continue to operate.