KOCHI: An alleged attack by SFI activists from Maharaja’s College on a march taken out by KSU-INTUC members to the IG Office led to clashes by the rival student and labour unions, creating tension in the city for several hours on Saturday. The trouble started when the march to the IG office, in protest against an SFI assault of three KSU workers of the Government Law College a few days ago, came under attack from “SFI activists” on the Maharaja’s campus. In retaliation, KSU-INTUC activists stormed the campus, attacked SFI workers and went on the rampage, smashing windowpanes, which led to extensive damage to the college property.
They also destroyed DYFI flags and publicity materials in the area, including the Marine Drive. The DYFI-CITU soon organized a protest march against the KSU-INTUC violence, leading to tension in Marine Drive, High Court Jn and other places. Both parties blamed each other for the violence. DYFI and SFI leaders condemned the attack and called for stringent action against culprits. DYFI leaders said Mr CT Varghese, the district committee member of the organization, was injured in the police action during the KSU-INTUC combined attacks.
A statement issued by district Congress committee stated that the violence was triggered by the SFI attack from Maharaja’s College. “Nearly 50 students were inside the college despite Saturday being a holiday. It was a planned attack by the SFI”, the statement said. “In the name of student politics SFI is engaged in goondiasm on campuses”, said Mr Hibi Eden, MLA. DCC president TJ Vinod said the party would compensate Maharaja’s for the loss of property. Blaming police inaction for the violence, Mr Vinod said the party had assured the college principal about replacing damaged windowpanes.
