THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister R Bindu has rejected SFI State Secretary P.M. Arsho's statement that the assault on T.P. Sreenivasan was not a major crime.

"No one has the right to assault anyone. There is no justification. The blame for ragging should not be placed on SFI. The facts should be examined. Ragging is happening on campuses where SFI is not present also. News will be spread that it is all SFI. The internal and emotional conflict of the children will lead them to violent acts. They cannot open up to anyone. An atmosphere of love and brotherhood should be created. Awareness will be created on all campuses against ragging. Strong action will be taken. A meeting of principals will be called for this," the minister said.