Kollam : The body of former Chief Minister Oomen Chandy continues journey to hometown of Puthupally in Kottayam. Toward evening, the body was laid at Kollam where hundreds gather to pay their last respects in Chadayamangalam. The final journey took off from the leader’s Puthupally House in Jagathy morning 7 am and passed through crowds, taking 8 hours to cross the district.
At several places owing to crowds jamming the street the floraled vehicle with mortal remains steered through at extremely slow pace. Traffic was regulated on MC Road owing to the mourning procession making throughfare.
As per Oomen Chandy’s wish, the body will be buried without state honours. The departed leader’s wife informed the Chief Secretary of discounting official honours and that Church funeral rights were all they wanted. Their son Chandy Oomen also reiterated that wishes of his father would be followed for funeral.
The cabinet met during the day and expressed deep sorrow over the leader’s departure/
