Thiruvananthapuram: Although the police forcibly dismantled the protest camp set up by LPST (Last Grade Servants Temporary) job candidates in front of the Secretariat, the protesters maintain a firm stance that their spirit remains unbroken. The protest has continued steadfastly for 129 days. An unexpected police action last night marked a new turning point in the protest. The removal of the protest camp and the forcible hospitalization of Valmarti, a leader of the protest committee who was on a hunger strike, further strengthened the resistance. Subsequently, Jayakrishnan, a candidate, has taken over leadership of an indefinite hunger strike, marking a decisive new phase in the ongoing struggle.
For several days, candidates have been peacefully protesting in front of the Secretariat, demanding their rights. However, police action against them has sparked widespread condemnation. The protesters assert that the dismantling of the protest camp will not succeed in ending the agitation and that they will not withdraw from the protest ground until favorable decisions regarding their demands are made.
Following the forcible transfer of protest committee leader Valmarti to a hospital, candidate Jayakrishnan launched an indefinite hunger strike. Expressing strong objections to the police action, he stated that attempts to break the morale of the protesters will prove futile. He said the government's approach to the 129-day-long protest has been disappointing. Jayakrishnan added that he never anticipated the police would dismantle the protest camp and that peaceful protesters should not have been treated in such a manner.
He also mentioned that public support for the strike has been growing daily, and police actions will not suppress the protests. He affirmed the decision to continue protest activities, including the hunger strike, until their demands are satisfactorily resolved.
Protest committee leader Valmarti, who was forcibly taken to the hospital by the police, reiterated her resolve not to end the protest. She stated that the police actions were carried out under government orders and that forcibly removing the protesters from the venue would not erase their demands. Valmarti emphasized her rejection of using force against the ongoing protest and declared that the strike will continue until the government accepts the candidates’ demands.
Following the police's dismantling of the LPST candidates’ protest camp, DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) activists erected a new camp at the same location, adding political significance to the developments. The establishment of this new camp has triggered fresh controversies and protests.
Police have filed cases against LPST protesters and DYFI activists in connection with these events. Charges have been registered against approximately 50 individuals, including the LPST rank holder Bichu. Separate cases have also been filed against DYFI Thiruvananthapuram District Secretary L.S. Liju, District President V.S. Shyama, and State Committee member Anoop.
The police actions and subsequent incidents have intensified the protest atmosphere in the capital. Against this background, DYFI and the Youth Morcha plan to hold a protest march to the Secretariat today. The police measures and controversies arising from the dismantling of the protest camp have provoked protests from various political organizations.
As numerous groups take to the streets, the LPST candidates’ agitation is attracting increased political attention. The direction the protests take in the coming days and the government’s response will be crucial.
Criticism from political quarters has intensified against the police use of force against peacefully protesting candidates. Allegations have arisen that the government is adopting an intolerant approach that suppresses democratic expressions of dissent. The dismantling of the protest camp has been condemned as an expression of government intolerance. Critics maintain that the right to protest and agitate is a fundamental element of democracy and that the government, responsible for listening to grievances and resolving them, should not respond with force.
Calls have grown louder for a democratic governance system that does not fear protests but is willing to listen to people’s voices and consider their demands.
The LPST candidates’ protest, which has been ongoing for more than four months, has now become a focal point of public attention following the police actions. The forcible hospitalization of Valmarti and Jayakrishnan’s assumption of an indefinite hunger strike have emerged as pivotal moments in the continuation of the protest. Meanwhile, the involvement of political organizations and protest marches to the Secretariat have added new dimensions to the movement.
Although the protest camp was dismantled, the candidates’ protest has not ceased. With a resolute declaration that they will not withdraw until their demands are met, the candidates continue their fight. The question now is what solution the government will propose to the 129-day-long struggle. The protesters maintain their firm resolve to continue until their demands receive official acceptance.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
