Calicut University campus clashes: CPI(M) Keralam secretary M.V. Govindan condemns attacks on SFI activists

Violent clashes erupted on the Calicut University campus last week when a group of students identified with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) reported being attacked by unidentified assailants during a protest over fee hikes. The confrontation left several activists with injuries and prompted the university administration to call for an inquiry. The SFI, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), described the incident as a targeted assault aimed at silencing dissent, while campus authorities struggled to restore order amid a charged political atmosphere.

M.V. Govindan, the CPI(M) Keralam secretary, publicly condemned the attacks and alleged that the police were reduced to the role of mere spectators throughout the episode. He argued that the law enforcement agencies failed to intervene promptly, allowing the violence to escalate unchecked. Govindan’s statements reflect a broader concern among left‑leaning student groups that the police are either unwilling or unable to protect activists from politically motivated aggression. The criticism has sparked a debate over the adequacy of campus security measures and the need for an independent investigation to identify the perpetrators.

The episode is significant for students across India because university campuses have traditionally been arenas for political engagement and social change. Any perception of bias or inaction by police can erode trust and discourage participation in democratic processes. Authorities are now under pressure to provide a transparent report on the incident, and student unions are calling for stronger safeguards against future attacks. The situation also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting the right to peaceful protest within academic institutions.