SFI, AIDSO students clash


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Oct. 3. A tense situation prevailed at the University College this morning when activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) tried to prevent the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) activists from filing nomination papers for the upcoming college union elections.

According to the police, four AIDSO activists who reached the college this morning to get the nomination papers were stoned by a large group of SFI activists and were prevented from entering the college. Soon after, a group of police personnel led by the City Police Commissioner, Rajan Singh, reached the spot.

The AIDSO activists later entered the college and submitted their nomination papers. The Cantonment police have booked seven SFI activists on charges of rioting, assault and causing hurt, in connection with the incidents.

A press note issued here today by the AIDSO said five of its leaders _ the unit president of the University College, Anil Kumar, the secretary, B. Anil Kumar, the general secretary candidate, K.S. Praveen, the district secretary, Shajer Khan, and the city committee president, S. Sreekumar _ were badly beaten up by a group of SFI activists. They have been admitted to the General Hospital. The press note warned that the SFI would have to face serious consequences if it did not stop its "anti-democratic and violent actions".