1 hr ago
Kerala University Hostel Violence Sparks CPI(M)-Congress Political Clash
A protest march took place near a university hostel in Thiruvananthapuram.
The march was organized by Youth Congress and KSU activists.
A clash began when the march reached the area near the hostel.
One side said stones and bottles were thrown from the hostel.
The other side said protesters threw burning torches toward students.
Police registered two cases involving activists from both sides.
CPI(M) leaders accused police of attacking students and demanded action.
Congress leaders said SFI and DYFI activists had no reason to interfere with the protest.
The two political groups are giving different explanations for how the violence began.
Violence erupted near Kerala University’s Palayam hostel after a KSU-Youth Congress protest march on Wednesday.
Youth Congress and KSU activists alleged that stones and beer bottles were thrown from the hostel.
SFI and DYFI activists alleged that protesters threw flaming torches toward hostel residents.
Police registered separate cases against activists from student and youth organisations linked to both sides.
CPI(M) and Congress leaders blamed each other and disputed the alleged roles of police and activists.
- Who
- KSU and Youth Congress activists, SFI and DYFI activists, police, and leaders of the CPI(M) and Congress.
- What
- A clash and alleged violence occurred near the Kerala University hostel, followed by two police cases and competing accusations.
- Where
- Near the Kerala University hostel at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- When
- The clash occurred on Wednesday; political leaders responded on Thursday.
- Why
- The clash followed a protest march against the Union government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, but the two sides disagree over who initiated the violence.
CPI(M) and allied groups
Congress and allied groups
Cause of the clash
CPI(M) and allied groups
SFI and DYFI activists alleged that protesters threw flaming torches toward hostel inmates, while CPI(M) leaders focused on alleged attacks against students.
Congress and allied groups
Youth Congress and KSU activists alleged that stones and beer bottles were thrown from the hostel, triggering the clash.
Role of police
CPI(M) and allied groups
M V Govindan alleged that police officers entered the hostel and attacked students without provocation, while Binoy Viswam called the police response an attack on students.
Congress and allied groups
The Congress-side statements focused on alleged stone-pelting from the hostel and did not accept the CPI(M)'s characterization of the police response.
Role of SFI and DYFI
CPI(M) and allied groups
SFI and DYFI activists said their actions were in response to protesters allegedly throwing flaming torches toward hostel residents.
Congress and allied groups
O J Janeesh and P C Vishnunadh questioned why SFI and DYFI became involved in a protest directed at the Chief Election Commissioner, the Union government, Amit Shah and the BJP.
Key facts
- Location
- Kerala University hostel, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
- Protest target
- The Union government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Reported allegations
- Youth Congress and KSU alleged stones and beer bottles were thrown from the hostel; SFI and DYFI alleged protesters threw flaming torches toward hostel residents.
- Police action
- Two separate cases were registered against activists from student and youth organisations of both parties.
- CPI(M) allegation
- M V Govindan alleged a conspiracy and accused police personnel of attacking students.
- Congress allegation
- Congress leaders alleged that stones were thrown at the march from the hostel, triggering the clash.
- Additional demand
- CPI leaders demanded an explanation from Chief Minister V D Satheesan over the police response.
Quotes
P C Vishnunadh
State Tourism Minister
“We all saw the footage of them hitting students on the head. It was horrifying, and the students were unable to withstand it because they were retreating.”
deccanchronicle.com
“When a march is passing by shouting slogans against Gyanesh Kumar, why are SFI members coming out to throw stones at it? Is Gyanesh Kumar their uncle?”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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