The Kerala government and state police have faced backlash after images of two student protesters in handcuffs went viral on social media. The incident occurred when members of the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, the Muslim Students Federation, waved black flags at State Education Minister V. Sivankutty during a function, demanding more seats for Plus Two in schools.
The government and police were heavily criticized for their treatment of the protesters, with IUML legislator and former State Minister M.K. Muneer accusing the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) of following a separate set of rules from the opposition. Muneer described the treatment of the protesters as though they were terrorists.
In response, opposition student protesters took to the streets in various locations across the state. In one instance, protesters in Kozhikode clashed with police officers. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticized some police officers for following orders from the CPI(M) state party headquarters, stating it was high time they resigned. Satheesan added that all wrong actions taken would soon backfire, and that the students were protesting for a genuine need.
The incident has highlighted a deepening rift between the ruling government and opposition parties in the state. Critics argue that the government has resorted to heavy-handed tactics to silence dissenting voices, while others argue that the protest was organized by a political party and that such protests were often a means of generating controversy rather than being driven by genuine concerns.
The incident raises important questions about the right to protest and the importance of protecting those rights, even when they are unpopular or disliked by those in power. It has also cast a spotlight on the need for the government and opposition parties to engage in constructive dialogue to address the needs of the people they represent. As tensions continue to rise in Kerala, it remains to be seen how the government and opposition will respond and whether they can find a way to work together for the benefit of all citizens.
