The Central University of Kerala suspended five students following their protest against a seminar commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Vande Mataram national song. The protest disrupted the two-day seminar held on October 6 and 7 at the university campus in Periya, Kasargod. A police case was also registered against 25 students involved in the protest, though their identities remain unknown.
- Five students suspended for protesting the Vande Mataram seminar.
- Police registered a case against 25 unidentified students for unlawful assembly.
- Protest involved multiple student organizations including SFI, AISF, KSU, and MSF.
- Students objected to the presence of an RSS-linked leader and alleged denial of entry to registered participants.
- Suspended students banned from campus for two weeks.
Why did the students protest the Vande Mataram seminar?
The students protested against the seminar primarily due to the presence of J Nandakumar, the national convener of an RSS-linked organization. They also claimed that several students who had registered for the seminar were denied entry. Various student groups, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students' Federation (AISF), Kerala Students Union (KSU), and Muslim Students Federation (MSF), participated in the protest.
What actions did the university take against the protesting students?
The university suspended five activists from different student organizations for two weeks. The suspended students are Sayed Ali S and Aved VB from SFI, Shabeer and Taqiyuddin from MSF, and Mohammed Yasin from KSU. The suspension prohibits them from entering the campus, including classrooms and hostels. The Chief Proctor stated that the students' conduct was inappropriate for an academic forum and disrupted the seminar proceedings.
What legal actions were taken following the protest?
The police registered a case against 25 students under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include unlawful assembly, disobedience to a lawful order issued by a public servant, and rioting. The case was registered based on information from police personnel who were part of the security arrangements during the seminar. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the campus as part of the investigation.
How did the students respond to the suspensions?
Following the suspension of the five students, various student organizations organized a night protest at the university's administrative block. They demanded the withdrawal of the suspension order, claiming it was unjust and issued by the same official against whom they had previously protested.
What were the official statements regarding the protest?
Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar alleged that there was a conspiracy behind the protest during the seminar. The FIR filed by the police stated that the students assembled unlawfully and disrupted the seminar by shouting slogans despite being ordered to disperse. The university emphasized the importance of discipline and decorum during academic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the seminar about?
A: The seminar was organized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Vande Mataram national song.
Q: Who were the suspended students?
A: Five students from various organizations—SFI, MSF, and KSU—were suspended for two weeks and barred from campus.
Q: What charges were filed against the protesting students?
A: The police registered a case under sections related to unlawful assembly, disobedience to lawful orders, and rioting.
Q: Did the students accept the suspension?
A: No, they protested the suspension and demanded its withdrawal.
