All-out clashes in the capital: Political protests turn violent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital turned into a scene of clashes by Wednesday evening after tensions that followed a black-flag protest by Youth Congress workers against Union Home Minister Amit Shah escalated. The confrontations over Yuva Morcha workers showing black flags to UDF ministers across the state later turned into a Youth Congress-SFI clash at night.

The protests, which began with ministers and leaders being stopped on the roads by rival groups, turned tense in the capital by night. Youth Congress workers stopped P.K. Krishnadas, followed by Yuva Morcha workers stopping Minister K.M. Shaji. The Youth Congress-SFI clash broke out soon after.

The situation worsened after police entered the University Men's Hostel and resorted to a lathi charge. Several students were injured, with two suffering head injuries. Many others sustained injuries to their hands and legs. The clashes began with a minor confrontation during the Youth Congress-led march to the AG’s Office from near the Palayam University Hostel, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The situation later escalated.

How the hostel clash unfolded

Youth Congress workers reached Palayam at around 8 pm. While they were preparing for a torchlight march, stones were allegedly thrown from the Men's Hostel. Youth Congress workers retaliated by throwing stones. Some protesters also threw burning torches into the hostel premises. The situation was brought under control after leaders intervened, following which the workers proceeded to the Secretariat as part of the march. When they returned and reached the Men's Hostel in a procession, clashes broke out again.

Youth Congress workers and SFI activists threw stones at each other from outside and inside the hostel. Youth Congress workers attempted to enter the hostel after crossing the police personnel deployed outside. When the police failed to disperse them, tear gas was used. The protesters did not disperse despite tear gas being fired several times. As police attempted to enter the Men’s Hostel, SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev led a protest against the move. Police then resorted to a lathi charge, in which several students were injured.

Following the clashes, ADGP P. Vijayan and Commissioner Arul R.B. Krishna reached the spot. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan also arrived at the Palayam hostel premises. CPM district secretary and MLA V. Joy, P.K. Sreemathy and V. Sivankutty were among those who also reached the spot. The SFI has called for a statewide educational strike on Thursday in protest against the incident.