High drama at Law Academy, students threaten suicide

Kerala Law Academy, which had been witnessing student agitation for 26 days, turned tense after one of the striking wards climbed a nearby tree threatening suicide if government delayed the arrest of principal Lakshmi Nair. 
 

The campus went through tense moments after Sujin, an ABVP activist put a noose around his neck and threatened suicide while KSU activists said they would set ablaze by pouring kerosene on them. 
 

The student, who climbed the tree demanded the arrest of Lakshmi Nair under provisions of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as Peroorkada police have registered a case against her for discriminating students based on caste. 
 

The drama began at 2.30 pm, and by evening sub-collector came to the spot and tried to convince the student. She also talked to striking students, who by the time had blocked the road. Students demanded to seize the passport of Nair to prevent her from leaving the country. 
 

As nothing worked out, sub-collector returned assuring that the matter would be brought to the notice of Collector and government. 
 

As the official returned, policemen climbed the tree and tried to forcefully bring the youth down, prompting the student to jump down with the noose around his neck. However, Fire and Rescue personnel and police were quick to action and managed to save him. 
 

As the KSU activists threatened suicide by setting themselves ablaze, police had no resort but to use water cannons against them. This led to tension as some of the students pelted stones at the officers. However, leaders intervened and successfully avoided a clash between the students and police. 
 

Agitating students had in the morning downed the shutters of the Cooperative Bank and the restaurant of Lakshmi Nair, that was functioning on Academy premises. This had led to the arrest of some of the students. 
 

Striking students are adamant in their demand and are not ready to accept anything other than Lakshmi Nair's resignation. BJP state secretary V V Rajesh and Congress MLA K Muraleedharan are staging indefinite strike expressing solidarity with students. 

• Kerala Law Academy
• Law students
• Lakshmi Nair
• students demand resignation of principal