Veteran CPI(M) Leader K.M. Joseph Passes Away at 81

Kannur: Veteran CPI(M) leader and former member of the Kannur district secretariat, K.M. Joseph (81), passed away on Thursday (November 6, 20250 morning. He had been undergoing treatment at the A.K.G. Hospital in Kannur following the prolonged illness.

Joseph, who became active in the Communist Party during the 1970s, played a significant role in strengthening the organisation in the hilly regions of Kannur by mobilising the migrant farming communities.

During the Emergency, he was among those who faced police brutality and arrest alongside senior party leaders M.V. Govindan and E.P. Jayarajan while attending the Sukumaran Martyrdom Memorial event at Kudiyanmala.

Over the decades, Joseph held several key positions in various party-affiliated organisations. He served as State Vice-President of the Karshaka Sangham (Farmers’ Union), District Secretary, Director of the State Agricultural Development Bank, President of the Thaliparamba Primary Agricultural Development Bank, and Member of the Naduvil Panchayat.

His body will be kept for public homage at the Azhikkodan Memorial Hall, Kannur, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and at the E.M.S. Memorial Hall, Alakode, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will then be taken to his residence. The funeral will be held on Friday at Payyambalam.

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan condoled the demise, said Joseph was a steadfast and committed leader who dedicated his life to the party and the working class.