2 hrs ago
Congress, CPM Student Wings Clash During Kerala Protest
Student and youth groups linked to Congress and the CPM fought in Thiruvananthapuram.
The trouble happened on Wednesday night.
Youth Congress had organized a march asking for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to be removed.
Congress-affiliated groups said stones were thrown at them from a university hostel.
They responded by throwing stones and damaging posters and boards.
The fighting later spread to the University Hostel and nearby streets.
Police entered the hostel and used force.
SFI leaders said the students inside were peaceful and were treated too harshly.
Leaders from both sides blamed the other group for starting the violence.
Youth Congress and KSU activists clashed with SFI and DYFI members in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night.
The Youth Congress march demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Congress-affiliated activists alleged that stones were thrown at their march from the University College hostel.
SFI leaders accused Youth Congress workers of launching a planned attack and police of using excessive force against students.
Pinarayi Vijayan and other senior CPM leaders visited the area as protests and security measures increased.
- Who
- Youth Congress and KSU activists clashed with SFI and DYFI members; police and senior CPM leaders were also involved at the scene.
- What
- A political march over the Chief Election Commissioner’s removal escalated into stone-pelting, property damage, clashes and police intervention.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, including the University College hostel and University Hostel at Palayam, Kerala.
- When
- Wednesday night, shortly after Congress and CPM leaders had joined a nationwide protest in Delhi.
- Why
- Youth Congress said it was protesting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that stones were thrown at its march; SFI and CPM leaders said the marchers initiated violence.
Congress and Youth Congress Claims
CPM, SFI and DYFI Claims
Who started the violence
Congress and Youth Congress Claims
Youth Congress and Congress MLA Abin Varkey said SFI members threw stones at a peaceful march and acted provocatively.
CPM, SFI and DYFI Claims
Pinarayi Vijayan and SFI leaders said Youth Congress workers launched unilateral or planned violence against SFI activists.
Police conduct
Congress and Youth Congress Claims
The Congress account focused on alleged violence by SFI and did not endorse the accusation that police used excessive force.
CPM, SFI and DYFI Claims
SFI leaders said police used brute force against peaceful students inside the hostel.
Political consequences
Congress and Youth Congress Claims
Abin Varkey said the clashes were an attempt to create law-and-order problems in the state.
CPM, SFI and DYFI Claims
Pinarayi Vijayan said statewide protests would be organized against Youth Congress violence and the police action against students.
Key facts
- Main groups
- Youth Congress, KSU, SFI and DYFI
- Protest demand
- Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Location
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Reported escalation
- Stone-pelting, damaged flex boards and posters, and clashes near university hostels
- Police action
- Police entered the hostel premises and used force against students
- CPM response
- Pinarayi Vijayan said the incident was a planned attack and announced statewide protests
- Congress response
- Congress MLA Abin Varkey accused SFI of provoking violence and creating law-and-order problems
Quotes
Pinarayi Vijayan
Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala
“It was a planned attack on the SFI activists. The Youth Congress workers unleashed unilateral violence. Even those injured were not spared as they were prevented from even being taken to hospital. This is unacceptable. State-wide protests will be organised against the Youth Congress violence and brute force used by police against students.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Why did the SFI resort to such provocative action? This kind of unilateral violence cannot be permitted. They are trying to create law and order problems in the state.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
SFI Secretariat March Turns Tense Over Kerala University Police Action
Congress, BJP Trade Attack Allegations as Kerala Tensions Escalate
Pinarayi Vijayan Accuses UDF Government of Suppressing SFI Protests
Kerala Congress (Joseph) Factions Clash in Irinjalakuda, Inquiry Ordered
SFI, DYFI Condemn Arrests During Protest Against Election Chief
INDIA Bloc Announces Rallies Demanding Electoral Transparency
I.N.D.I.A. Plans Nationwide Protests Over Alleged Vote Theft
Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Chori Campaign Struggles to Spark Mass Protests
Election Commission Extends SIR Voter Roll Deadlines in Andhra, Meghalaya