Kannur: A clash erupted between SFI (Students’ Federation of India) and KSU (Kerala Students’ Union) at the Kannur Government ITI over the installation of a flagpole. The dispute began when KSU activists erected a flagpole, leading to tensions. The police resorted to lathi charge to control the situation. Following the unrest, the ITI has been declared closed indefinitely. Kannur ACP announced that discussions with student organisations will be held on Friday.

KSU had established its unit at the Kannur Government ITI, where SFI has major dominance, only a few months ago. Ahead of the upcoming union elections, KSU activists installed a flagpole on the premises the previous day. However, on Wednesday morning, the flagpole was found missing, which KSU alleged was the work of SFI activists, leading to further clashes.

In response, SFI staged a protest outside the principal’s office, demanding the expulsion of certain KSU members involved in the earlier skirmishes. On Wednesday, KSU activists from outside the campus arrived to meet the principal and file nominations for the elections. They attempted to reinstall the flagpole, but were stopped by the police, citing election rules prohibiting such actions.

At this time, district leaders of both SFI and KSU were present at the scene. Despite the police's instructions, KSU activists hoisted their flag. Subsequently, while both groups stood in separate camps, an SFI activist removed the flag, sparking a major confrontation. Several activists from both organisations sustained injuries in the incident.