Published Sep 02, 2026 | 3:13 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 02, 2026 | 3:13 PM
The SFI alleged that the water cannon used against the protesters contained sewage water.
Synopsis: SFI activists clashed with Kerala police for the second consecutive day in the State capital Thiruvananthapuram after the student body organised a march protesting police action at Tuesday’s Kerala University protest against the singing of Vande Mataram. Several protesters, including the SFI State secretary, were injured after police used water cannons and lathicharge when protesters tried to break through barricades at the Secretariat.
Tension prevailed in Keralam’s capital Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday as police and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists clashed for the second consecutive day.
The clash followed a march to the Secretariat on Wednesday, 2 September in protest against the police action during Tuesday’s protest at Kerala University, where SFI activists had objected to the singing of Vande Mataram during a sports day programme.
The student body had alleged that Ministers OJ Jeneesh and Roji M John had stood up during the programme.
On Wednesday, SFI activists gathered near the North Gate of the Secretariat carrying banners accusing the government of unleashing “police lynching” on those who had taken part in Tuesday’s protest.
Nearly 400 police personnel were deployed in and around the Secretariat on Wednesday in anticipation of trouble.
Police used water cannons when protesters attempted to push through the barricades and later resorted to lathicharge. Several protesters were injured, including the SFI State secretary, who was admitted to hospital.
The SFI alleged that the water cannon used against the protesters contained sewage water.
After the clash, SFI activists shifted their protest to the vicinity of University College, where they began a road blockade.
The police have increased security in the area as Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to attend a programme at Ayyankali Hall, which is close to University College.
SFI protesters are also expected to attempt to obstruct the Chief Minister’s movement to the programme.
Also Read: ‘Misinterpretation of Islam’: Keralam CM Satheesan rejects Kanthapuram’s remarks on women
