Majnu Komath, architect of struggle for Goshree Bridges, passes away

Majnu Komath, 79, a tireless activist who spearheaded the three-decade-long agitation for the Goshree bridges, passed away due to age-related ailments at his residence near Goshree Junction here on Saturday around 6 p.m.

He served as chairman of the Ernakulam-Vypeen Bridges Action Council, formed in the 1980s, and remained steadfast in the struggle until the bridges became a reality in 2004. A lawyer by profession, Mr. Komath became so closely identified with the cause that he earned the nickname “Paalam Vakkeel” (bridge lawyer).

Though a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Mr. Komath succeeded in building a broad alliance that cut across political affiliations in the fight for the bridges, which, he believed, were both a lifeline and a right of the Goshree islanders. The action council staged several novel protests, including lining up country boats from High Court Junction to Bolgatty.

Even after the successful completion of the bridge agitation, Mr. Komath remained a staunch supporter of various legitimate causes of the Goshree islanders, transforming the forum into the Goshree Action Council. He firmly believed that congestion on the bridges and their approach roads could be reduced if the 100-odd private buses operating up to High Court Junction were permitted to ply further into the city. This, he argued, would prevent commuters from relying on private vehicles, which were worsening traffic chaos on the Goshree route. He fought successfully for this cause.

Mr. Komath is credited with forming a unit of the All India Students Federation (AISF) while studying in the fourth standard at the Government LP School, Vypeen. He continued his association with the AISF during his college days at Maharaja’s College, later being elected president of the outfit in 1970. He also served as State vice-president of the All India Youth Front. For many years, he was a member of the CPI’s district executive and district council.

He practised law at the Kerala High Court for 43 years and also served as standing counsel for the Warehousing Corporation.

CPI State secretary Binoy Viswom and district secretary N. Arun condoled the death.

He is survived by his wife Selin, son Shahin, and daughter-in-law Aarlin Rose. A funeral procession will be held from his residence along the Goshree bridges, for which he fought tirelessly. The body will be placed at the High Court lawyers’ chamber for the public to pay homage on Sunday. Cremation will take place at the Murikkumpadam public crematorium at 4 p.m.