AMMA ratifies Thilakan\'s ouster

Kochi: The general body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) here on Sunday ratified the expulsion of veteran actor Thilakan from the organisation.

�The explanation given by the disciplinary committee for taking the extreme step against him [Thilakan] was endorsed by all members without a whimper of dissent, sources said. The association decided to go ahead with the defamation case against social critic Sukumar Azhikode, who had come out in the open against certain film actors over the Thilakan issue. The meeting decided to extend �Kaineettam, a monthly stipend given to aged and ailing artistes, to four more persons. �Applications of 26 artistes have been considered by the general body,� sources said.

The association would organise a show in February next to raise funds.