Despite Kerala govt's anti-CAA stance, CUSAT students attacked for protesting against pro-CAA governor

At a time when the state government and opposition are jointly protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the students of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have been arrested for protesting against Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan — who has supported the Act — when he visited the campus on Monday.

The Governor, who came for the meeting with Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, was blocked by the students at the entrance gate. They were lathicharged and dispersed by the police. Later, the protest was taken into the campus and police officials arrested Sabeeh (21), a student of the School of Engineering for traffic obstruction. "We have arrested the youngster for illegally obstructing traffic. Besides, 20 other students were apprehended for protesting inside the campus. They will be kept in custody till the Governor leaves the premises in the evening," said an officer of Kalamassery Police Station.

Meanwhile, students alleged that they have been illegally arrested for organising a peaceful protest. "We marked our opposition against the CAA and the proposed NRC Bill by the central government. Despite boasting a lot about Kerala's protest against the Centre's move, the Kerala government is using its force to act against the agitating students. As the governor has clarified his support for the act, we will intensify our protest in the coming hours, Shabeer, another student who participated in the protest," a student said.

Earlier, the Governor had said that no state, including Kerala, could stay away from the Citizens Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the central government. He had also pointed out that everyone can work only within the framework of India's Constitution.