Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced an investigation into whether there was any external interference in the incident involving the death of a student who succumbed to injuries after undergoing treatment following an issue at a tuition centre in Thamarassery. The case registered in connection with the incident involves six juveniles who were presented before the Juvenile Justice Court. The court sent them to the Kozhikode District Observation Home.
The increasing tendency of violence among children has been identified as a critical issue. Teachers and parents have a significant role to play in addressing this, he said.
In response to legislative members Kurukkoli Moideen, K.P.A. Majeed, N.A. Nellikkunnu, and Najeeb Kanthapuram, CM stated that a comprehensive action plan would be prepared through meetings involving student and youth organisations, cinema, cultural and media organisations, as well as teacher-parent associations.
He assured that all necessary legal measures will be taken by the government to prevent such isolated but serious incidents of violence.
Vijayan highlighted that the United Nations has expressed concern over the growing violent tendencies among children. It was emphasised that the living conditions of children must be evaluated, as the highly competitive lifestyle may lead to unrest and foster a mindset where peers are seen as adversaries.
"Childhood, which transitions from the confines of home to school buses and then to classrooms, is increasingly being confined to a digital world. Digital addiction is becoming prevalent, and those attempting to break free from it are often perceived as adversaries. Changes in relationships between teachers and students, as well as between parents and children, are attributed to various factors, with drug abuse being one of the primary reasons. Eradicating this issue requires collective effort beyond political differences," he said.
"Only campuses with social awareness and political literacy can effectively curb anarchic tendencies," said CM Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasising the need for students to engage in discussions on social issues within campuses. He further stressed that students, as tomorrow's leaders, should grow with democratic values and a scientific outlook, and that participation in extracurricular activities like cultural programs, sports, and yoga is crucial for their positive development.
The government has assured the legislative assembly that it will take all necessary steps to address this crisis, and there has been a unified sentiment expressed by everyone against this menace.