Clashes Erupt in Kerala College Over Division Day Observance
Tensions flared at a government college in Kasaragod, Kerala, as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) celebrated Division Day, leading to clashes with the Students Federation of India (SFI). The situation escalated when SFI members tore down ABVP posters, prompting police intervention. The governor's directive to observe this day has faced criticism from the state government and opposition parties, labeling it as divisive. As protests continue, the ABVP plans to maintain its observance across various educational institutions.
| Aug 14, 2025, 17:23 IST
Tensions Rise at Government College in Kasaragod
Following directives from Kerala's Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization linked to the RSS, commemorated the Division Day, leading to clashes at a government college in Kasaragod on Thursday. ABVP members displayed posters regarding the observance, prompting a large gathering of members from the CPI(M)-backed Students Federation of India (SFI), who proceeded to tear down the posters. To prevent further altercations, police intervened. Additionally, the SFI burned an effigy of the governor outside the campus.
In response, ABVP students reaffixed the posters on the college notice board, which led to protests from the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), affiliated with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Amidst the chanting of slogans, police set up barriers between the two groups. The ABVP reported that its members celebrated this day at various institutions, including the Kerala Central University, the Institute of Human Resource Development (IHRD) College in Kumbala, the Kasaragod Government College, and the Chendayad MG College in Kannur. The event at the central university commenced at 12:30 PM, with plans to continue the observance at the HRD College in Kasaragod.
The governor, acting as the chancellor of state universities, had issued a circular under the direction of the Union Home Ministry, instructing vice-chancellors to organize seminars and prepare action plans for this day. The left-led Kerala government and the Congress-led UDF opposition criticized this directive, labeling it unnecessary and divisive. The state had instructed universities and colleges not to observe this day, and the SFI warned of protests if any institution complied with the order.