Tension at Kerala University as SFI protest escalates

Tension prevailed at the Kerala University headquarters on Tuesday after a march organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) against the Vice Chancellor’s decision to deny permission for conducting the university arts festival. Despite police action, including the use of barricades and water cannons, SFI activists pushed forward and entered the administrative building housing the offices of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, raising slogans against the university authorities.

Police attempted to stop the protesters, but several students climbed over the half-wall of the building and gathered in front of the offices, continuing their agitation. The march was part of a day-and-night protest launched by the SFI against Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummel, which entered its second day on Tuesday.

The protesters opposed the Vice Chancellor’s decision to block the arts festival from being organised by the outgoing students’ union, terming it arbitrary and against established practice. They also demanded the immediate release of travelling allowance dues for sports students, alleging that the payments have been pending for several months.

SFI leaders alleged that the Vice Chancellor had failed to address students’ grievances or hold discussions with them, and said the agitation would continue until their demands are met. As of now, the situation at the university headquarters remains tense and unresolved, with protesters continuing to remain in and around the administrative block and no official talks or agreement announced by the authorities.

The SFI, the student wing of the CPI(M), is one of the largest student organisations in the country and is active in universities and colleges nationwide, often mobilising students on issues related to education policy, campus administration, student welfare, and democratic rights.