Youth Congress Protest in Thiruvananthapuram Escalates into Violent Clash with Police
In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday, a march organized by the Youth Congress in Thiruvananthapuram descended into chaos and violence as police resorted to water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. The demonstration was aimed at demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case, which has been a source of political controversy in Kerala.
Protesters Attempt to Breach Police Barricades
The trouble began when Youth Congress workers, led by state president O J Janish and Abin Varkey, attempted to break through police barricades that had been erected to prevent the march from reaching the state assembly. Police initially used water cannons in an effort to push back the protesters and maintain order. However, the demonstrators regrouped and made another determined attempt to breach the barricades, escalating the tensions significantly.
Escalation to Stone-Throwing and Tear Gas
As the situation intensified, some protesters resorted to hurling stones at police personnel, further aggravating the confrontation. Despite repeated warnings from the police to disperse peacefully, the agitators continued their protest, prompting law enforcement to fire tear gas shells to bring the volatile situation under control. The use of tear gas caused considerable discomfort to many protesters, with several sustaining injuries in the ensuing melee. The injured were promptly shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, highlighting the severity of the clash.
Arrests and Political Allegations
In the aftermath of the violence, police arrested two Youth Congress activists in connection with the incident. Addressing the protesters earlier, Youth Congress state president O J Janish declared that this agitation marked the beginning of a decisive struggle against the ruling LDF government. He leveled serious allegations, accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, cabinet ministers, and party leaders of deliberately making statements that fuel communal divisions in society. "Youth Congress will continue to be on the streets against ministers and leaders who attempt to divide society by spreading communal hatred," Janish asserted, underscoring the political undertones of the protest.
Broader Implications and Context
The Sabarimala gold heist, which involves the theft of gold ornaments from the famed Sabarimala temple, has become a flashpoint in Kerala politics, with opposition parties like the Youth Congress leveraging it to criticize the LDF government's handling of the case. This violent protest not only reflects the growing unrest over the issue but also raises concerns about law and order in the state capital. As investigations into the heist continue, such demonstrations are likely to keep the pressure on the government, potentially leading to further political confrontations in the days ahead.
