Kerala: Student unions call for bandh in Alappuzha following clashes between groups

Alappuzha: The Democratic Youth Federation of India and Kerala Students Union has called for a bandh in Alappuzha town. This comes a day after clashes broke out between the two student union groups on Saturday.

Tension prevailed after the groups alleged each other of destroying the union flags and festoons during a march.

The issue began after KSU workers reportedly destroyed hoardings and posters of the CPI(M) at various places in Alappuzha town.

Angered by development, DYFI members barged into a KSU event in the evening. 

Clashes ensued between the two groups, which left members of KSU injured.

The police later resorted to lathicharge to defuse the clashes. 

Reacting to police lathicharge, KSU workers pelted police vehicles with stones.

Alappuzha District Congress President M Liju alleged that DYFI workers marched to the venue with sticks, pelted stones and also damaged the cars of Congress leaders, including that of Kodikunnel Suresh, MP.

He alleged that several KSU activists were injured in the stone pelting by the DFYI activists.

Two workers were injured and were admitted to General Hospital. Some media persons were also injured in the stone pelting.

Liju said that KPCC President M M Hassan was among those present at the venue when the incident occurred.

With PTI inputs