Comrades P.P.Anandan and M.Achuthan became martyrs in the struggle for freedom of Mahe (Mayyazhi) from the French on 27th April 1954.

Mayyazhi, a small area between the present Kannur and Kozhikode district was given to the French by the local Raja centuries back. The French constructed a fort there. During the several wars between British and France, Mahe was taken over by the British. But after agreements the same was given back to France. Since 1816, Mahe continued to be in the hands of the French.

When India got Independence on 15th August 1947 from the British after a long and sustained freedom struggle, Mahe still remained in the hands of French. Despite several demands by the Govt. of India, the French did not vacate. It is at this juncture that the people of the French colonies in the country, Pondicherry, Mahe, Karikkal, Yanaon, Chandernagor and Trincomalee started agitations demanding vacation of the territories by the French.

The French Government reacted and used force to crush the struggle. It was during this struggle that Coms. Anandan and Achuthan were killed and became martyrs.Before the mass upsurge, the French could not continue their rule. They had no other way but to leave.
The entire French colonies in India including Mahe got freedom in 1954 itself. Chandernagore got freedom two years earlier in 1952.

Today is the 60th death anniversary of the above martyrs. Our revolutionary homage to these martyrs who fought and laid their lives at the altar of freedom!