A protest by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) at the Kerala University headquarters escalated into violence as clashes erupted between student activists and the police. The agitation began at the main gate of the university, with SFI members breaching police barricades to enter the campus premises. Despite police efforts to disperse the crowd using water cannons, students persisted in their protest, moving to the Registrar’s office.
Tension heightened with the arrest of University Union chairman Ashwin, leading to further demonstrations and a sit-in protest by SFI activists. Subsequent police action to clear the protesters resulted in a protest march within the campus and nearby areas. The SFI protest is primarily against the Vice-Chancellor’s decisions regarding student activities, including the denial of permission for the university arts festival and travel allowance for student sportspersons.
SFI leaders have criticized the Vice-Chancellor for allegedly disregarding student concerns and failing to address their demands. The protest continued in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s chamber, with warnings of escalation if the university administration does not respond. In response, the Vice-Chancellor clarified that the current University Union term has ended, with plans for fresh elections, and cited logistical constraints for not permitting a second arts festival.
