Violent Clashes Erupt at Kerala University Over Youth Festival Funding
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, police and activists from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) clashed violently at the gates of Kerala University headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The confrontation erupted as the SFI's day-and-night strike, demanding the immediate release of funds for the upcoming Youth Festival, turned aggressive and chaotic.
VC's Firm Stance on Funding Eligibility
The Vice-Chancellor in charge, Mohanan Kunnummal, issued a clear and unequivocal clarification regarding the funding dispute. He firmly stated that only the newly elected committee, following the upcoming university elections, is legally and administratively eligible to conduct the Youth Festival using official university funds. This statement directly rejected the demands of the outgoing student committee, which had been pressing for the release of the allocated budget.
Protest and Blockade at Vice-Chancellor's Office
Earlier in the day, SFI students had staged a intense protest at the Vice-Chancellor's office. Their primary demands included seeking formal permission for the current student union to organise the prestigious Youth Festival and the immediate allocation of the Rs 50 lakh grant that had been included in the university's annual budget. The situation grew tense as staff members found themselves unable to leave the office premises after protesters locked the room. Notably, the Vice-Chancellor was not present in the office during this blockade.
SFI's Argument and VC's Rebuttal
The SFI leadership insisted vehemently that the grant should be provided to the current union, arguing that the previous union had received similar funding for last year's festival without issue. However, Vice-Chancellor Kunnummal remained steadfast in his refusal. He directed explicitly that the new union, which is scheduled to be elected later this month, should be solely responsible for organising and managing the entire Youth Festival event, including all financial aspects.
Damage to Property and Security Investigation
During the prolonged protest, a serious complaint was raised regarding alleged damage to valuable mementos and display items inside the Vice-Chancellor's office. In response to this incident, the Vice-Chancellor instructed the university registrar to launch an immediate investigation into the apparent security lapse. He demanded an urgent and comprehensive report on how the breach occurred and who might be responsible for the damages.
Police Intervention and Resolution
After a tense three-hour blockade that paralyzed normal administrative functions, police forces were compelled to intervene. Law enforcement officers systematically removed the protesting students from the office premises to restore order and allow university operations to resume. The clash highlights the deepening rift between student political groups and university administration over financial autonomy and event management protocols.
