Minister Veena George sustains injuries during KSU protest, shifted to hospital

KANNUR: Health Minister Veena George was injured during a black flag protest staged by KSU workers. The incident took place at the Kannur Railway Station on Wednesday afternoon. The minister suffered injuries to her neck and hand. The minister has been shifted to the district hospital. The incident occurred near the ticket counter when the minister arrived to board the Vande Bharat train. Following the incident, the minister cancelled her journey. Protests against the minister had been held at several places in Kannur in recent days.

Although police were present at the spot, they were not able to control the protesters. The protesters rushed towards the minister demanding her resignation. They broke through the police cordon and allegedly assaulted the minister. Speaker A N Shamseer was also accompanying the minister at the time. After the incident, the Speaker said that the minister was attacked by the protesters. He said protests are allowed, but physical assault is unacceptable. Attacking a minister is a threat to democracy, he added. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Health Minister at the hospital.

Minister V Sivankutty alleged that the attack was carried out following instructions from the Opposition Leader. He said they are not thinking of retaliation, but there will be strong protests. The CPM district secretary and other party leaders reached the hospital.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders denied the attack, with KPCC President Sunny Joseph stating that protesters didn't touch the minister. KSU alleged that the minister is staging a drama for political gain. KSU Vice President Muhammad Shammas said that the activists protested peacefully.