Clash between Youth Congress and SFI leaves Kerala capital tense

Thiruvananthapuram experienced hours of tension on Wednesday after Youth Congress and Students Federation of India activists clashed in the Palayam area, disrupting traffic and prompting police intervention. The violence began during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It reportedly first broke out near the University College men’s hostel before spreading towards MG Road, the university area and the road outside the Secretariat.

Police fired teargas shells and used lathicharge to disperse the activists. Several youths and at least one police officer were injured, according to the report. Youth Congress and SFI activists blamed each other for starting the confrontation, with both sides alleging that stones and bottles had been thrown.

The SFI alleged that Youth Congress and KSU workers hurled flaming torches into the hostel grounds during a power cut. Its state secretary, P.S. Sanjeev, also alleged that Youth Congress activists blocked an ambulance carrying injured students to hospital.

SFI leaders demanded action against officers accused of assaulting students inside the hostel. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan visited the hostel and spoke to injured students. He said there had been no provocation by SFI activists or hostel residents and accused Youth Congress of launching a planned attack.

CPI(M) and CPI leaders also condemned the police action inside the hostel. The SFI called a statewide strike for Thursday in protest. Separately, Yuva Morcha activists blocked Local Self-Government Minister K.M.

Shaji’s car and later stopped an autorickshaw he entered. He eventually left on foot. A beer bottle was also allegedly thrown at the BJP’s state headquarters, Mararji Bhavan, by unidentified persons.