THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move that could spark widespread protests, the Cantonment police forcibly removed Valarmathi S, secretary of the All Kerala LPST Rankholders Association, who had been on a fast-until-death strike in the capital for 16 days. They also took down the protest sheds and flex boards the association had put up before the Secretariat late on Wednesday night.
The association was earlier served a notice by the police to remove the flex boards and sheds, and a follow-up notice about a case being registered. However, the protesters were given no intimation about the latest action. Valarmathi was shifted to the General Hospital on the doctors’ advice, as her health had worsened.
Soon after the action, another rank holder, M Jayakrishnan, announced that he would carry forward the fast-until-death protest. The action appeared largely covert, though police officers had earlier said due action would be taken against the protesters once the notice was served. The Cantonment police have also documented visuals of the protesters allegedly blocking the footpath.
Cantonment SHO Satheesh Kumar S said Valarmathi was shifted solely because of her worsening health. “The doctors informed us that her health would worsen, and her life could even be at risk, if she continues here. She was not arrested or detained,” he said. Friction was also seen between police officers and DYFI workers when the former tried to take down the DYFI’s flex against Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Minutes before she was shifted, Valarmathi told TNIE about a possible police action. “I know they will shift me, but I don’t know how or when. It could be because of the presence of the public and media that they are a bit slow to take action,” she said. Five minutes after this exchange, the Cantonment police arrived at the site and shifted her. Though Valarmathi resisted, women police officers took her away.
Senior CPM leaders P K Biju and C S Sujatha visited the protestors and extended their support. Less than an hour of the police action, DYFI workers set up a new protest shed before the Secretariat, after a heated debate with Shankhumukham ACP B S Sajimon. Jayakrishnan continued his protest in this new shed. Yuva Morcha also expressed solidarity with the protestors.