Thiruvananthapuram clash fallout reaches Kannur; minister’s vehicle attacked amid DYFI protest
Kannur: The vehicle of Sports Minister and Youth Congress state president O.J. Janeesh was allegedly attacked by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) workers at Taliparamba in Kannur on Thursday.
The incident took place at Karippa in Taliparamba as Janeesh was travelling to Kasaragod after attending programmes in Kannur. He had participated in an Archaeology Department-related programme in Taliparamba before leaving for Kasaragod.
According to people accompanying the minister, more than 10 DYFI workers blocked the vehicle and jumped in front of it after the pilot vehicle had passed. They allegedly hit the car with stones and their hands.
The vehicle's front flag stand was broken, while the rain guard and door beading were also damaged.
Police intervened and moved the protesters away from the vehicle. Janeesh initially continued his journey in the same damaged car.
The minister later said his vehicle had been attacked at five locations in Kannur.
Protest also reported in Payyannur
The minister's convoy also faced a protest in Payyannur. Reports said DYFI workers again approached the vehicle, leading to a confrontation between Congress workers accompanying the minister and DYFI activists.
The situation escalated into a scuffle on the road, with public representatives and political workers becoming involved.
Reports also said that DYFI workers removed the keys of a police jeep during the protest in Taliparamba.
Questions have been raised over police security arrangements for the minister, particularly as protests against him had reportedly been anticipated in Payyannur and other locations.
Black-flag protests in Kasaragod
The protests continued after the minister reached Kasaragod. DYFI workers staged black-flag demonstrations near the Thali temple and later at Neeleshwaram Palace Ground.
At the Thali temple area, protesters carrying black flags reportedly rushed towards the minister's convoy as it passed. Police intervened and removed them from the area.
The protesters later gathered at the Palace Ground, where the demonstration intensified. Janeesh was reportedly unable to get out of his vehicle for some time as the protest continued.
Police subsequently strengthened security and used batons to disperse the protesters. Those taken into custody were later arrested and removed from the scene.
A black-flag protest was also reported in Kanhangad.
Congress alleges planned attack
Congress leader V.P. Abdul Rasheed, who was travelling with the minister, alleged that the attack was a planned attempt on Janeesh's life.
Rasheed alleged that a group of around 20 people carried out the attack after lying in wait and claimed that protesters shouted slogans threatening the minister.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also condemned the reported attacks on the minister's vehicle. He alleged that the incidents had taken place with the knowledge of the CPM leadership and accused the CPM and DYFI of being behind the protests.
Satheesan said those responsible for attacking the minister and those who allegedly conspired behind the incidents will be brought before the law.
He also linked the Kannur incidents to the earlier confrontation involving former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and criticised what he described as the CPM's approach to political protests.
Protests linked to previous clash
DYFI has alleged that Janeesh and MP Shafi Parambil were responsible for the clashes reported in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.
The confrontation began during a Youth Congress-led march near the University Hostel to the office of the Election Commission, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to the account provided.
The initial clash later escalated, with further confrontations reported between Youth Congress and SFI workers. Police entering the university men's hostel and conducting a lathi charge further intensified the situation, with several students reportedly injured.