Many social organisations are preparing to commemorate the 209th death anniversary of Thalakkal Chandu, adroit archer and commander-in-chief of the Kurichya soldiers of Pazhassi Raja, with various programmes on Saturday. But, a monument built in honour of the warrior on the banks of the Kabani, near the Panamaram fort, Wayanad, is a picture of neglect.
The monument, including a ‘smrithimandopom’ and a museum, was constructed using Rs.12 lakh two years ago. A portion of it was vandalised by anti-social elements. The services of the sole security guard were terminated some months ago.
Stainless steel posts around the ‘smrithimandopom’ and the front portion of the museum were destroyed by miscreants, A.V. Rajendra Prasad, secretary, Thalakkal Chandu Memorial Committee, said. When the monument opened on September 22, 2012, the then Union Minister of State for Power, K.C. Venugopal, had stated that the Union and State governments make it a national monument, he said. The State government had earmarked Rs.20 lakh for the development of the monument two years ago. This fund had not been used.
