Clash erupts between CPM and Youth Congress activists during Youth Congress rally led by Rahul Mamkootathil

KANNUR: Tensions flared in Malappattam, Kannur, as a rally led by Youth Congress state president and MLA Rahul Mankootathil turned violent following a confrontation with CPM workers. The incident occurred when the rally reached the vicinity of the CPM’s Malappattam local committee office.

Despite the arrival of police who attempted to disperse both groups, clashes resumed shortly thereafter. The altercation unfolded in front of the A Kunjikannan Memorial Hall, which houses the local CPM office. Mankootathil accused CPM activists of launching an unprovoked attack on the rally, which he claimed had received prior permission. When the Assistant Commissioner of Police urged Youth Congress workers to leave, Mankootathil questioned why his supporters should back down when it was the opposing side instigating violence.

The march, titled Janadhipathya Athijeevana Yatra (Democratic Survival March), was organised from Aduvappuram to Malappattam to protest what the Youth Congress describes as the CPM’s attempts to stifle organisational freedom through threats and violence. Ahead of the rally, Mankootathil had issued a bold challenge to CPM supporters via social media, daring them to obstruct the march if they had the resolve.