Stones, flaming torches fly as Youth Congress clashes with SFI in Keralam

Flaming torches were hurled, stones flew and tear gas filled the air as Youth Congress and SFI workers clashed for nearly three hours near the University Men's Hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday evening.The clash followed a Youth Congress march to the Accountant General's office demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. When the march reached the area in front of the University College hostel, stones were allegedly pelted at the protesters from the hostel, which is considered an SFI stronghold.

Youth Congress workers reacted to the alleged stone-pelting, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. Stones and flaming torches were hurled from both sides as tension escalated after the march.After the march, Youth Congress workers moved towards the hostel, where SFI workers were present. Stones were thrown towards the hostel, after which SFI workers retaliated, leading to a prolonged clash.The tension also spread to the nearby University College campus.

KSU and Youth Congress workers allegedly entered the college premises, jumped over the wall and damaged flex boards.As the situation worsened, a large police contingent was rushed to the area. Police used tear gas several times and repeatedly asked the protesters to disperse. Additional personnel were also brought in as the confrontation continued.Police later entered the Men's Hostel and used batons against students who were present there.

The students protested against the police action and demanded that the personnel leave the hostel.SFI state secretary PS Sanjeev reached the spot after hearing about the incident and protested against the police intervention. Outside the hostel, Youth Congress workers remained on one side, SFI workers inside the hostel and police personnel positioned between the two groups. Ambulances were also seen moving through the area as police tried to clear the roads.ADGP P Vijayan said strong action would be taken in the night itself against those involved in the violence.Sanjeev alleged that Youth Congress workers provoked students by throwing sticks, stones and a flaming torch towards the hostel, leading to the clash.

He said police personnel, including senior officers, arrived after the violence began and sought the help of SFI workers to prevent a fire after a flaming object landed inside the campus.According to Sanjeev, SFI workers helped move students away and put out the fire with police assistance. He further alleged that Youth Congress workers later returned in large numbers and again threw stones at the hostel.Sanjeev also accused the police of using excessive force against students inside the campus and alleged that some students suffered head injuries and other injuries during the police action.

These allegations could not be independently verified immediately.The competing allegations, the prolonged confrontation near the University Men's Hostel, the spread of violence to the nearby college campus and the subsequent police action kept the area tense through the evening.- Ends