Clashes Erupt as ABVP Observes Partition Horrors Day in Kerala Colleges

Kerala Colleges

Tensions flared in Kerala’s Kasaragod district as the RSS-affiliated student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, defying the state government’s directives. The observance sparked protests from Students Federation of India (SFI) and Muslim Students Federation (MSF), requiring police intervention to prevent escalation.

The clashes occurred after ABVP activists displayed posters commemorating the day at a government college in Kasaragod, following a directive from Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. SFI members, supported by CPI(M), tore down the posters, and later burned an effigy of the Governor outside the campus. ABVP students reinstalled the posters, prompting protests by MSF members affiliated with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Police formed a barrier to maintain peace between the groups as slogans were exchanged.

ABVP said the day was observed across multiple institutions, including Kerala Central University, IHRD College at Kumbala, Kasaragod Government College, and Chendayad MG College in Kannur. At Kerala Central University, the commemoration began at 12:30 am. ABVP has announced plans to continue the observance at HRD College in Kasaragod.

The controversy stems from a circular issued by the Governor, acting as Chancellor of state universities, under instructions from the Union Home Ministry, directing vice-chancellors to organise seminars and submit action plans on the observance. The Left-led Kerala government, along with the Congress-led UDF, opposed the directive, calling it unnecessary and divisive. Universities and colleges were instructed not to follow the order, with SFI warning of protests if the observance went ahead.

The event highlights ongoing tensions between student political organizations in Kerala and raises questions about state versus central directives in educational institutions.