Controversy over 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' observation: Tensions rise in universities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A political row has erupted in Kerala after Governor Rajendra Arlekar directed universities to observe 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' on the eve of Independence Day. While the state government strongly opposed the move, Vice-Chancellors of Kannur University, Kerala University, and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University issued instructions to affiliated colleges to hold seminars and discussions recalling the pain and suffering during the Partition.

At Kerala University, a circular issued on Monday morning by College Development Council Director Dr. V. Biju, on the VC’s instructions, asked all colleges and the Karyavattom campus to mark the day. By afternoon, it was amended to say that institutions could decide independently, following Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s objection. VC Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal later said the change was made without his approval, prompting Dr. Biju to resign from the post.

Ministers P. Rajeev and R. Bindu accused the Governor of pushing an RSS agenda and misusing his position to promote a theocratic state. The UDF also condemned the directive. Student groups SFI and KSU vowed to block the observance on campuses, with SFI announcing plans to burn effigies of the Chancellor.

Raj Bhavan defended the move, saying the observance has been held nationwide since 2021 on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, and the central directive was merely forwarded to state universities.

BJP leader V. Muraleedharan said the day was meant to help the younger generation understand the disasters caused by Partition.