“Media spreading false propaganda”: CPI (M) state secretary on University campus clash

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 5 (ANI): Amid the recent unrest in Thiruvananthapuram between student union members, CPI (M) state secretary M V Govindan said that media is spreading “false propaganda”.

Govindan’s remarks came while he was addressing a press conference on Thursday in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.

Addressing the media, he said, “Media is spreading false propaganda. SFI will address and correct any minor shortcomings and move forward. There is an attempt to exploit SFI. Issues at a particular college are being exaggerated.”

He added further, “I do not justify any wrongful tendencies. What is needed is to correct and move forward… Assaults by students on teachers and vice versa are wrongful tendencies. These should not be viewed with a one-sided approach.”

Earlier, the Kerala Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes with a fierce verbal duel between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan.

The issue was raised as an adjournment motion notice moved by several Congress MLAs, including M Vincent. The Chief Minister rejected the motion of the opposition to adjourn the House. Vijayan said that conflicts on campus are undesirable and should be condemned. He further said that action should be taken against those responsible.

The KSU had alleged that SFI members attacked KSU district leader San Jose inside the Kerala University campus in Karyavattom on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University, Mohan Kunnummal, instructed the Registrar to conduct an investigation and submit a report on the alleged assault of KSU Thiruvananthapuram District General Secretary Sam Jose.

The incident allegedly took place in the hostel room at the Kariavattom campus and the Vice Chancellor demanded that the report be submitted urgently within 48 hours.

According to the complaint, SFI activists assaulted KSU member Sam Jose in his hostel room on Tuesday night. Following the incident, KSU activists on the intervening night of July 2-3 staged a protest at the Sreekaryam police station, demanding action against those responsible for the assault.

In response, police said they registered a case against United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs Chandy Oommen and M Vincent and other KSU activists as well as SFI members accused in the complaint filed by Sam Jose.