Violence erupted at Nedungome Government Higher Secondary School in Sreekandapuram Municipality, Kannur, on Wednesday in the wake of the general strike. A group of agitators stormed the campus and disrupted normalcy, reportedly deflating the tyres of vehicles belonging to staff members.
Fifteen teachers affiliated with the KPSTA and HSTA unions had reported for duty despite the strike. Protesters, said to be outsiders, entered the school premises and created chaos. In total, the tyres of seven vehicles — including a car — were flattened. Police personnel were called to the scene and are maintaining order. Though the teachers remain inside the campus, no classes are being held due to the absence of students.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Kasaragod, tensions ran high at the Government Higher Secondary School in Parappa, Vellarikkundu. Around 10 a.m., political activists reportedly locked a teacher, Siji, inside the school office. The group, identified as Left-affiliated protestors, allegedly argued with Prabhavathy, the acting headmistress. Police later arrived and unlocked the office.
Siji has stated her intention to lodge a formal complaint with law enforcement regarding the ordeal.
Both episodes highlight the rising strain between protestors and educational staff during politically charged strikes, raising concerns over safety and freedom of work in academic institutions.