Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh’s official vehicle was allegedly attacked at different places in Kannur on Thursday while he was travelling towards Kasaragod. The incidents came amid growing tension between Youth Congress and SFI-DYFI activists in the state after clashes in Thiruvananthapuram on September 30.Key HighlightsO.J. Janeesh’s vehicle was stopped at Kuppam in Taliparamba.Protesters allegedly hit the vehicle with stones and their hands.The vehicle’s flag pole and rain guard were damaged.Police have registered a case and increased the minister’s security.What Happened in Kannur?The first incident took place at Kuppam in Taliparamba when Janeesh was travelling to Kasaragod after attending an official programme linked to the Archaeology Department.According to reports, protesters stopped the minister’s vehicle. They allegedly hit the car with stones and their hands. The attack damaged the vehicle’s flag pole and rain guard.Security personnel and police had to intervene and remove the protesters from the road.The vehicle later faced more protests near Payyannur and at other points on the road towards the Kasaragod border. Reports said the vehicle was attacked again after crossing Payyannur.Why Did Tension Rise?The Kannur minister vehicle attack came after a clash between Youth Congress and SFI-DYFI activists in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night.The Youth Congress had held a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The two sides have given different accounts of how the clash began. Youth Congress leaders alleged that stones and bottles were thrown from a university hostel. SFI has disputed this account and criticised the police action inside the hostel.DYFI leader and MLA M. Vijin had also said the organisation would confront Janeesh over his remarks, according to reports.“A police case has been registered and strict action has been directed against those responsible.”Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala spoke to Janeesh after the Kannur incidents and directed the police to take action. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also spoke to the minister and warned against attempts to disturb law and order.Security Increased for MinisterFollowing the incidents, police increased security around O.J. Janeesh. More personnel will be deployed during his public programmes, while additional pilot and escort vehicles will accompany him during travel.Kannur police have registered a case and started an investigation.The political dispute is continuing, but accounts of who started the violence remain contested. Police action and the investigation will determine the facts of the Kannur incidents.
