Protest against Keralam minister: student protesters suspended

Thiruvananthapuram: Two SFI leaders of Maharaja's College in Kochi have been suspended for 10 days over their protest against Higher Education Minister Roji M. John during a graduation ceremony last Friday, according to reported.

College union chairman Praneel Raj and vice-chairperson Nafisathul Misriya were suspended following a decision by the college council at a meeting attended by the principal and teachers on Monday. The action came after KSU leaders submitted a complaint to the college authorities on Saturday, seeking disciplinary action over the disruption.

The protest erupted on October 30 when SFI activists confronted the minister during his address at the convocation ceremony. Misriya walked onto the stage, raised questions and displayed a banner, demanding answers over the suspension of 16 SFI students at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady.

The students at the Kalady University had been suspended following protests over campus facilities and an agitation involving a controversial street play depicting the university's Vice-Chancellor. SFI had challenged the disciplinary action and demanded that the minister withdraw his remarks about the protesting students.

Although Roji offered to address the protesters' concerns after the ceremony, the confrontation continued, forcing him to cut short his speech and leave the venue with police assistance. The graduation programme was subsequently completed, while the minister distributed certificates to students at a separate event in Angamaly the following day.

Chief Minister's Office had also warned of strict action against those responsible for disrupting the ceremony.

Meanwhile, SFI launched fresh protests at Maharaja's College following the announcement of the suspensions.