Clash erupts during KSU protest march; several activists injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A protest march led by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) state committee, demanding the withdrawal of the allegedly anti-student "year-back" system implemented by the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) turned violent yesterday in front of the Secretariat.

The police resorted to a lathi charge during the clash, injuring several student leaders, including state president Aloshious Xavier, vice president M.J. Yadukrishnan, Arun Rajendran, and Thrissur district president Gokul Guruvayoor. Gokul sustained a head injury. The injured were admitted to the hospital.

The protest rally, which started from the Martyrs’ Square at Palayam, was blocked by police barricades in front of the Secretariat. A protest meeting held at the spot was inaugurated by KPCC Working President and MLA A.P. Anil Kumar. Following this, the protesters reportedly turned aggressive. Despite the police deploying three rounds of water cannon to disperse them, the protesters refused to retreat. The situation escalated when the protesters clashed physically with the police, leading to the lathi charge.

A.P. Anil Kumar alleged that the Left government had ruined the education sector and said that the education system in Kerala is currently on “ventilator support.” The protest was presided over by KSU state president Aloshious Xavier.

State leaders Nithin Manakattumannil, Adesh Sudharman, Gopu Neyyar, Aneesh Antony, Mivajoli, Simjo Samuel, Renif Mundoth, Abbad Luthfi, Arun S.K., Anwar Sulfikkar, Anshid E.K., Jawad Puthur, Jain Jaison, and Ashiq Baiju also led the demonstration.

The protest also raised several demands, including the immediate and lawful appointment of Vice Chancellors in all universities currently without leadership, the filling of vacant principal and teaching positions, and an end to the government's apathy toward government medical colleges.