Guv's visit to Kerala University turns violent; SFI activists storm campus amid tight security

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major security lapse, SFI workers stormed the Kerala University campus on Tuesday while an event attended by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was ongoing.

The protest against Khan attending the Senate meeting at the university intensified on Tuesday. Despite tight security by Kerala Police, the protesters managed to enter the campus. According to the latest reports, they are staging a sit-in protest inside the university compound.

The Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of Kerala's universities, was attending an international Sanskrit seminar at the university’s Palayam campus. The seminar, titled "Global Issues and the Sanskrit Knowledge System," is organized by the university’s Sanskrit Department and will span three days.

Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University, is presiding over the inaugural event. Prominent participants include Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Vedic University in Tirupati; Dr. Sachchidananda Mishra, Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR); and Dr. K.K. Geethakumary, Vice-Chancellor of Kalady Sanskrit University.

Protests Loom Amid Tensions

The visit comes amid heightened protests from left-wing organizations, including the CPM, which have been critical of the Governor's approach to Vice-Chancellor appointments. Alleging unilateral decisions, these groups have boycotted preparatory meetings for the event and are expected to protest during his visit.

Kerala University has taken precautionary measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the program. Two years ago, the university had invited the Governor to an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence, but the event was canceled due to opposition from left-leaning syndicate members.