Thiruvananthapuram: A staggering 500 cases of violence linked to student organisations have been reported across college campuses in the state since the Pinarayi Vijayan govt assumed office in 2016, as disclosed by the chief minister in the assembly. The statistics reveal a troubling trend in student-led conflicts, with the Student Federation of India (SFI), the feeder organization of the CPM, at the forefront, implicated in 270 cases. This is followed by the pro-Congress Kerala Students Union (KSU) with 112 cases, and the pro-BJP Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accounting for 36 cases.
The situation has escalated dramatically, particularly in recent years. From 2016 to 2021, incidents involving the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student organisation of the IUML, were minimal, with only one case reported. However, between 2021 and June 2024, that number surged to 24, indicating a significant rise in tensions within the student community. Additionally, the All India Students Federation (AISF), the student organisation of the CPI, and Campus Front, the student wing of the banned Popular Front of India, were each involved in seven cases, while other organizations contributed to 14 more incidents of violence.
The impact of these cases extends far beyond statistics. With 3,183 members from various student organisations accused in these incidents, the repercussions on students' lives are profound. Many students find themselves embroiled in legal battles, facing the stigma of criminal charges, which can hinder their academic progress and future opportunities. The shadow of police investigations looms large, affecting not only the accused but also their peers and the educational environment as a whole.
Tragically, the consequences of campus violence have proven fatal. Since the inception of the first Pinarayi govt, three students Abhimanyu, Dheeraj Rajendran, and J S Sidharth lost their lives in campus violence. Police investigations into these cases are ongoing, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to ensure student safety and promote a culture of dialogue rather than conflict.
As the state grapples with this alarming trend, the call for comprehensive measures to address campus violence has never been more critical. Though political leaders agree that students deserve an environment conducive to learning, free from the fear of violence and legal repercussions, it is a known fact that students getting into these troubles are largely motivated by their political bosses. Though there have been efforts to restore peace and foster a spirit of cooperation among student organizations, the violence continues, the latest one being reported from ITI in Thottada in Kannur.