The confrontation began when SFI activists damaged a KSU flag, triggering a physical clash between the groups. Police intervened, using lathi charges to disperse the warring factions and restore order to the situation
Published Dec 11, 2024 | 6:34 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 11, 2024 | 6:34 PM
Clash between KSU and SFI at Thottada ITI, Kannur leaves several injured
A violent clash broke out between members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Students Federation of India (SFI) at Thottada ITI in Kannur on Wednesday, 11 December leaving several people injured.
ITI at Thottada has been shut down indefinitely by the district administration in response to the violent altercation. The police are investigating the matter, and further action is expected
The confrontation reportedly started when SFI activists damaged a KSU flag, leading to a physical altercation between the two student groups. The police were called in to control the situation and resorted to lathi charges to disperse the warring factions.
Clash Between KSU and SFI at Thottada ITI, Kannur, Several Injured
A violent altercation between KSU and SFI members erupted at Thottada ITI in Kannur on Wednesday, December 11, leaving several injured.
The conflict allegedly began when SFI activists damaged a KSU flag,… pic.twitter.com/hioqnttBTG— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 11, 2024
KSU district president MC Athul and state general secretary Farhan Munderi later visited the campus to file a complaint with the principal and re-erect the damaged flag.
However, while they were being escorted by police, they encountered resistance from SFI activists, which led to another violent clash.
In the ensuing violence, several KSU leaders were injured, including state general secretary Farhan Munderi, district vice president Harikrishnan, ITI KSU unit president Muhammad Ribin, district vice president Ragesh Balan, and district secretary Arjun Korom. All the injured were admitted to MIMS Hospital in Kannur for treatment.
The incident comes just weeks after the revival of the KSU unit at the Thottada ITI after a gap of 34 years. Both student groups have blamed each other for the violence, which has escalated tensions on the campus.
KPCC President K Sudhakaran MP has strongly condemned the brutal attack on KSU workers at Thottada ITI by members of the SFI, calling the incidents “barbaric” and a continuation of “communist fascism” aimed at suppressing democratic organisational activities.
Sudhakaran alleged that the SFI has degenerated into an “organisation of mentally ill people” and accused the CPM of fostering a culture of violence instead of nurturing political leadership among youth.
He claimed that the violence erupted after the KSU established a unit at the ITI after a gap of 35 years, with SFI deliberately creating trouble ahead of union elections.
Sudhakaran also criticised the police and faculty at the ITI for allegedly siding with the attackers. He warned that if KSU members are forced to adopt self-defence measures, the Congress will stand by them to ensure their safety.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman and Dileep V Kumar)
