Youth Congress-SFI clashes: Police register non-bailable case; SFI calls State-wide protests in Keralam

The Museum Police have registered a case under non-bailable charges against workers of the Youth Congress and the Students Federation of India (SFI) over the violent incidents witnessed near Palayam in the capital city of Keralam on Wednesday night.

The SFI has called for State-wide protests against the police action against students and accused the Youth Congress of orchestrating the violence. Protest marches will be held to the Secretariat and the offices of the District Police Chiefs.

The violence reportedly broke out first near the University College men’s hostel during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Youth Congress and SFI activists blamed each other for triggering the violence by throwing stones and bottles. The SFI accused Youth Congress and KSU workers of hurling flaming torches inside the hostel grounds when the lights went out during the power cut.

Subsequent police action inside the hostel grounds drew sharp criticism from the SFI and senior CPI(M) leaders. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited the hostel on Wednesday night, said there was no provocation on the part of the SFI activists or hostel residents. He accused the Youth Congress of launching the attack and described it as planned.

Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Binoy Viswam and G.R. Anil, MLA, visited the hostel on Thursday morning.