The activists were protesting the suspension of 16 students of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady. Kochi : Higher education minister Roji M John faced protests by SFI activists during a convocation ceremony at Maharaja’s College on Friday.
He said the protest disrupted an important ceremony attended by around 500 students receiving undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Police register case: Ernakulam Central Police have registered a case against 40 identifiable people for obstructing the convocation ceremony. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
Though John initially said he welcomed democratic protests, tensions escalated when students demanded immediate answers to their questions. Describing the incident as unfortunate, Vinod said such disruptions tarnished the college’s academic reputation. It said strict action would be taken against those responsible. In a statement, the CMO said the protesters had behaved like criminals and resorted to hooliganism instead of expressing their dissent democratically. It said the disruption had ruined a significant day in the lives of students and their families and demanded that SFI top brass apologise to the students, their parents and public.
The activists, including college union representatives, demanded that the minister withdraw remarks they considered disparaging towards the students, who were suspended over their participation in a protest against SSUS interim vice-chancellor Ciza Thomas. During the convocation, activists raised banners while the minister was addressing the gathering. Following this, the minister reportedly left the ceremony. Meanwhile, Congress MLA T J Vinod demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and strict action against those responsible. CMO condemns protest: The chief minister’s office (CMO) condemned the SFI action. Download the TOI App.
He called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the protest, including whether anyone had instigated the students.