Published Feb 10, 2026 | 4:57 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 10, 2026 | 4:57 PM
SFI protest at University of Kerala. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The agitation was part of a continuing day-and-night protest launched by the SFI, the students’ wing of the ruling CPI(M), opposing the Vice Chancellor’s decision to deny permission for the outgoing students’ union to conduct the university arts festival (Kalolsavam). The protest entered its second day on Tuesday.
Tension prevailed at the University of Kerala headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, 10 February, after a protest march organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) against Vice Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummel turned confrontational.
The agitation was part of a continuing day-and-night protest launched by the SFI, the students’ wing of the ruling CPI(M), opposing the Vice Chancellor’s decision to deny permission for the outgoing students’ union to conduct the university arts festival (Kalolsavam). The protest entered its second day on Tuesday.
Despite police intervention, including the use of water cannons and the erection of barricades, SFI activists pushed past security and forcibly entered the administrative block housing the offices of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar.
Protesters raised slogans against the university authorities after some of them climbed over the compound wall and assembled in front of the offices.
Apart from demanding that the arts festival be allowed to go ahead, the students accused the university administration of delaying the release of travelling allowance (TA) dues to sports students, which they claimed have been pending for several months.
SFI leaders alleged that repeated attempts to engage the Vice Chancellor in discussions had failed and warned that the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on Monday came out strongly against Prof. Kunnummel, criticising his reported decision to block the conduct of the University Youth Festival.
Speaking to the media, the Minister said it was inappropriate for a Vice Chancellor to oppose such cultural events, stressing that arts festivals play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, leadership qualities and organisational skills among students.
Denying students the opportunity to participate in competitive cultural events due to avoidable disputes would set a wrong precedent, she cautioned.
Referring to complaints lodged against Syndicate members and SFI activists over the alleged vandalisation of the Vice Chancellor’s chamber, Minister Bindu accused Prof. Kunnummel of adopting a rigid and antagonistic approach towards both students and the academic community.
She also noted that effective coordination between the Vice Chancellor and the Syndicate was vital for the smooth functioning of the university, but said such cooperation appeared to be lacking.
The standoff has brought administrative activities at the university headquarters under strain, with heightened police presence continuing on campus as the protest shows no signs of abating.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
