KSU march to secretariat ends up in clash; many injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Clash during KSU march to secretariat demanding protection of the higher education sector. The police used tear gas and water cannon several times. Traffic was blocked on MG Road for more than an hour. The march turned violent after opposition leader VD Satheesan left after inaugurating it. The KSU workers attempt to overturn the barricade started the conflict. After much pushing and shoving with the police, they used water cannons. Many workers were injured.

Then tear gas was fired after the activists’ pelted stones at the police. The activists who were scattered regrouped again and continued the protest. They threw flagged sticks at the police and hit the police vehicle. Tear gas was used several times to control the conflict. The KSU worker who fell ill was shifted to the hospital. The conflict eased after the activists who protested by sitting on the road were arrested and removed.

Ten people, including KSU state president Aloysius Xavier, were remanded. The leaders announced state-wide educational strike today in protest against the police brutality on the march. KSU State President Aloysius Xavier presided over the function. M Vincent MLA, state vice-presidents Muhammad Shamas, Ann Sebastian, former state president KM Abhijith, leaders Sayedali Kaipadi, Bahul Krishna, Adarsh ​​Bhargavan spoke at the function.