SFI Marches To Kerala University Against Anti-Student Actions Of Vice-Chancellor

Thiruvananthapuram: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) on Tuesday marched to Kerala University against the anti-student actions of Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, demanding that the authorities reverse decisions affecting arts and sports activities on campus.

Police blocked the march to the university headquarters by erecting barricades at the main gate and used water cannons to stop the protesters. Despite this, students broke through the barricades and entered the campus, continuing their protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s chamber.

The protest is against the Vice-Chancellor’s refusal to permit the university arts festival and the failure to release travelling allowance to sports students. SFI leaders said police had put up barricades early in the morning to prevent the march, but students pushed forward and reached the university headquarters.

SFI said that even after syndicate members demanded permission to conduct the arts festival, the Vice-Chancellor refused to take a favourable decision. The organisation said the stand taken by the Vice-Chancellor against arts and sports activities goes against students’ rights and the academic spirit of the university.

A day-and-night protest has been under way at the university headquarters since last Wednesday. SFI State President M Shivaprasad and State Secretary S Sanjeev are leading the agitation, and the organisation said the protest will continue until the students’ demands are met.