Clash at Kozhikode School and Bar Attack Mar Kerala's Nationwide Strike
Tension gripped Kozhikode on Thursday morning as a minor clash erupted between trade union activists and local residents outside the Government Mixed Upper Primary School (GMUP) in Puthiyangadi. This incident occurred during a nationwide strike that brought Kerala to a near-total shutdown, highlighting the volatile atmosphere surrounding the industrial action.
School Gate Blockade Sparks Confrontation
The confrontation began when a group of teachers defied the strike call and reported for duty at the school. Agitated union activists quickly gathered outside the premises, blocking the teachers' entry and forcibly closing the school gate. This move set the stage for a heated standoff that soon drew in other community members.
As the situation escalated, residents and parents arrived at the spot to support the teachers, leading to a fierce argument that briefly turned physical. According to sources on the ground, a teenager became involved in the altercation, with some activists later alleging that the boy was assaulted during the clash. The teenager told media that he was hit by a man identified as Nazar, who is reportedly a UDF activist. However, eyewitnesses present offered a conflicting account, claiming the boy had first struck the man, who then retaliated in self-defense.
Police Intervention and Further Strike Incidents
Police personnel, including a specialized riot control team, rushed to the scene and successfully dispersed the crowd, restoring order. To prevent further escalation, the teachers who had come for classes were compelled to leave the premises, even as some protesters continued to raise slogans against them. Meanwhile, in Wayanad district, trade union activists briefly stopped a KSRTC bus as part of the broader strike enforcement efforts.
Bar Vandalized in Changanassery
In a separate but related incident, strike supporters vandalized a bar in Changanassery, adding to the day's unrest. A group of protesters carrying flags stormed the Emerald Bar at Payippad, which had remained open despite the strike. They smashed the main glass door with sticks, allegedly threatened customers and staff, forcing them to flee, and caused significant damage to the front entrance. Disturbing CCTV visuals later emerged, showing employees being assaulted inside the premises. The bar owner has since filed a formal complaint with the police regarding the attack, seeking justice for the property damage and threats endured.
The nationwide strike, observed across Kerala, thus saw not only widespread shutdowns but also these localized incidents of violence, underscoring the deep divisions and high tensions surrounding the industrial action. Authorities remain on alert to maintain peace and order in the affected areas.
