Flex boards and banners on CPI (M) Kannur District Secretary P Jayarajan’s battle against death is a common sight in Kerala’s Kannur district. The boards show pictures of a grievously wounded Jayarajan lying in hospital. The picture, a reminder of the violence is often accompanied by a message on his will power that brought him back to life.

On an Onam day, in August 1999, assailants attacked Jayarajan near his home at Kizhakke Kathiroor with axes, knives, cleavers and machetes. Jayarajan’s spinal cord, limbs and chest sustained grievous injuries and he almost died in the alleged attack by RSS cadres. Around 30 assailants attacked him in front of his house; his right hand that was chopped off was sutured back, but remains immobile.