Former Kerala CM to be cremated today

Thrissur, Dec 25 (ANI): Veteran Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, who passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, will be cremated with full state honours here today.

Karunakaran's body was brought here from Thiruvananthapuram this morning, and has been kept at the Town Hall for the public to pay homage.

Tens of thousands of people are paying their last respects to Karunakaran, who was affectionately called 'Leader' by Congress activists

Union Defence Minister A. K. Antony, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mulappally Ramachandran, Union Minister of State for Railways E. Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Oommen Chandy, Kerala were present at the Town Hall to pay their homage to the veteran Congress leader.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is also expected to reach here to pay homage to Karunakaran following which the security in and around the city has been tightened.

The cremation will take place at Karnakaran's house 'Muralimandiram' at Punkunnam in the district next to the tomb of his wife Kalyanikutty Amma. (ANI)