A protest at the Central University of Kerala turned violent after police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators. The protest was organized by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) against the suspension of five students. These suspensions were linked to a demonstration during a seminar on the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, held on campus on October 6 and 7.
- Five students were suspended for protesting during a seminar on Vande Mataram.
- The protest escalated near the university campus, leading to police intervention with water cannons.
- The suspended students belong to different student organizations: SFI, MSF, and KSU.
- Police registered a case against 25 student leaders following the events.
- Authorities have deployed a large police presence anticipating further protests.
Why Were the Students Suspended?
The Central University of Kerala suspended five students for two weeks after they protested during a two-day seminar commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The students objected to the conduct of the seminar and the presence of J Nandakumar, the national convener of an RSS-linked organization, at the event. They also claimed that several students who had registered for the seminar were denied entry.
Who Are the Suspended Students?
The suspended students include SFI activists Sayed Ali S and Aved V B, MSF activists Shabeer and Taqiyuddin, and KSU activist Mohammed Yasin. These students were involved in organizing and participating in the protest against the seminar.
What Happened During the Protest March?
On Friday, SFI activists marched toward the university campus, chanting slogans against the suspension of their peers. Police set up barricades to prevent protesters from reaching the administrative block. When some protesters tried to climb over and pull down the barricades, police responded by using water cannons to disperse the crowd. A large police contingent remains deployed in the area as authorities expect the protests to continue.
What Legal Actions Have Been Taken?
Following the protest and related events, police registered a case against 25 student leaders. The university's decision to suspend five students came after this legal action. The situation remains tense as both students and authorities prepare for potential further demonstrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the seminar about?
A: The seminar marked the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, and was held on the university campus on October 6 and 7.
Q: Why did the students protest the seminar?
A: The students protested the seminar's conduct and the presence of J Nandakumar, a leader of an RSS-linked organization. They also alleged that some registered students were denied entry to the event.
Q: How did the police respond to the protest?
A: Police erected barricades to block protesters from reaching the administrative block. When protesters attempted to breach these barricades, police used water cannons to disperse them.
Q: What is the current status of the suspended students?
A: The five students have been suspended for two weeks by the university following the protest during the seminar.
