Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Indian National Congress, has announced a statewide educational strike set to take place on Tuesday. This decision was revealed by KSU State President Aloshious Xavier during a press conference on Monday. Xavier emphasized that the strike could extend indefinitely if the ongoing crisis regarding plus one seats remains unresolved.
The crisis primarily revolves around the shortage of plus one seats in Malabar, which has sparked widespread discontent among students and parents alike. Both the KSU and the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) are at the forefront of escalating protests to address this pressing issue.
In a recent demonstration, KSU activists attempted a protest march to the Thodupuzha Deputy Director of Education’s office. However, they were met with police barricades, leading to a brief clash as activists tried to breach the barriers. This confrontation highlighted the growing tensions between the protesting students and law enforcement.
Similar unrest was observed in Kozhikode, where KSU activists surrounded the Office of Regional Deputy Directors (RDD) to voice their grievances over the plus one seat shortage. The police intervened to prevent the activists from entering the premises, resulting in a tense standoff. The situation escalated when the activists resisted police efforts to detain them, leading to the arrival of additional police forces. Seven individuals, including district president VT Suraj, were arrested and removed from the scene.
Parallel protests by the MSF were reported in Kannur, where members demanded an immediate resolution to the plus one seat crisis. These protestors were also forcibly removed from the Higher Secondary RDD office, further underscoring the intensity of the student-led agitation.
The KSU and MSF have vowed to continue their protests until a satisfactory resolution is achieved. The statewide educational strike aims to pressure the government into addressing the seat shortage crisis, which has disrupted the academic plans of numerous students across the state.
FAQs:
- What is the primary issue leading to the educational strike in Kerala?
- The strike is in response to the shortage of plus one seats in Malabar, which has caused significant discontent among students and parents. The KSU and MSF are demanding an immediate resolution to this crisis.
- Who announced the statewide educational strike in Kerala?
- The statewide educational strike was announced by Aloshious Xavier, the State President of the Kerala Students Union (KSU).
- What actions have KSU and MSF taken to protest the plus one seat shortage?
- KSU and MSF have organized various protests, including a march to the Thodupuzha Deputy Director of Education’s office and surrounding the Office of Regional Deputy Directors in Kozhikode. These protests have led to clashes with police and several arrests.
- What could happen if the plus one seat crisis is not resolved?
- KSU State President Aloshious Xavier has warned that the strike could become indefinite if the crisis is not resolved, indicating that the protests may continue and escalate further.
- How have the authorities responded to the protests by KSU and MSF?
- Authorities have responded by deploying police to manage the protests, resulting in confrontations and the arrest of several activists, including district leaders from both student organizations.
