The Congress-led UDF, which returned to power in Kerala after 10 years, has suffered a major setback in the student union elections after a big victory. Clashes broke out in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram after the results of Kerala University Union elections were declared. Police today said on Tuesday that SFI leaders alleged that KSU workers had attacked the victory procession taken out after the landslide victory of the Left student organization in the elections.
The clash started last Monday night during the victory procession taken out by SFI near the University area. According to SFI leaders, KSU workers allegedly threw stones at the procession and damaged a police vehicle. However, the police said that SFI workers threw stones and sticks at the KSU workers, while about 20 KSU workers allegedly threw stones in response.
Policemen got hurt in the clash
After the clash, 10 SFI workers were identified and FIR was registered against 40 others. Police alleged that during stone pelting by SFI workers, an SHO’s left arm was broken near the elbow, while some other policemen also suffered injuries. He has been admitted to different hospitals.
As tension between the two groups increased, the clashes spread to the streets. Police used water cannons and also resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
KSU workers attacked: MP Karim
Students Federation of India (SFI), a student organization of CPI-M, has managed to maintain its dominance in the Kerala University Union. SFI captured 35 out of 37 seats. Whereas Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student organization of the ruling Congress, performed poorly and could win only 2 seats.
Later, after the big victory, excited people came out of the campus to celebrate but the situation there became tense, and heavy police force had to be deployed in the area. Rajya Sabha MP and DYFI leader A.A. Rahim, who reached the spot immediately after the clashes, alleged that KSU workers carried out a “planned attack” after the SFI procession ended peacefully and media persons left the area.
Use of tear gas and water cannon
The MP claimed that many SFI workers, including women workers, were injured in the stone pelting. Rahim also criticized the police action, alleging that instead of taking action against those responsible for the violence, the authorities used force against the SFI protesters protesting on the road.
Police said that the protesters were repeatedly warned to disperse, but the SFI workers refused to disperse. After this, tear gas and water cannon were used against them. Police also said that SFI workers broke the front glass of a police vehicle by throwing stones, causing a loss of about Rs 30,000 to the Kerala government.
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