Human Chain Becomes Human Wall in Attingal

CPI(M) flexed its organizational muscles like a master body builder, and Attingal witnessed a massive human wall in protest against ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. "ASEAN Agreement in the Arabian Sea" was the slogan of the event. CPI(M) had called for a human chain (Manushya Changala) to mark people's protest against the agreement. It was an overwhelming success as people stood shoulder to shoulder to form a wall in almost all places in and around Attingal. There was no room for stretching the arms.

People from all walks of life participated in human chain (Photo courtesy Subhash Chirayinkeezhu)

The preparations for human chain had started right from the morning. Party workers systematically arranged banners, flags, and other revolutionary decorations. Loudspeakers started blaring revolutionary songs (Chora veena mannil from the film Arabikatha was a hot favorite in many places).

Ladies and kids came to participate in human wall braving the rain threat (Photo courtesy Subhash Chirayinkeezhu)

People started pouring in from around 3.30. There was a slight drizzle; however, it was insufficient to dampen the enthusiasm of the people. In fact the drizzle subdued gradually as if taking a cue from the enthusiasm of the people. Comrades from faraway places such as Palode, Vellarada, Kattakkada, and Nedumangadu too assembled in Attingal, as the NH 47 does not pass through these places.

Another view of human chain (Photo courtesy Subhash Chirayinkeezhu)

About 4'o clock, a skeleton of human chain was formed. There were gaps in human chain in many places, particularly near Alamcode. The gaps were quickly filled and by 4.30, a proper chain was established. More people started coming in. The human chain then became human wall. In many places in Attingal, two walls were formed.

Frontal view of human chain (Photo courtesy Subhash Chirayinkeezhu)

There were slight hiccups in organizing the chain, especially in the timing of taking oath against ASEAN agreement. Comrades at Private bus stand were still taking the oath when comrades at Kacheri Nada finished the oath and returned to bus stand to catch buses. Such minor skirmishes are unavoidable while conducting a massive event like this. It is doubtful that any other party in Kerala would be able to conduct an event that is half as big as this.

The human chain was disbanded at around 5.15 pm, but then started a vehicle chain exclusively for Attingal. It was the result of a horrible traffic jam, which has become an accepted thing in the town now.