Clashes between CPI(M) and Congress workers leave several injured in Kollam

Several people were injured in clashes between Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and Congress workers at Kadakkal in Kollam on Tuesday. According to the police, the incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. near the bus stand during a Congress protest meeting against alleged CPI(M) violence.

CPI(M) Katadimoodu branch secretary Vithunvenu suffered stab injuries. District Congress Committee secretary V.T. Sibi; Congress leaders and members Ansar Ahmed, Shemi, Shemeer, and Muneer; CPI(M) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) members Arun, Adarsh, Sreekumar, and Ajith; were also injured in the clashes. The injured were taken to hospital.

According to Congress and Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) leaders, the clash broke out during a protest against the alleged assault on KSU activists by CPI(M) workers during the school parliamentary election at Paruthi School, Kadakkal. The CPI(M), meanwhile, blamed Congress workers for unleashing violence.

The local police have registered a case in connection with the incident.