DYFI Protest Against Palakkad Railway Division Reorganisation Intensifies

Palakkad: Police attempted to arrest and remove DYFI activists who were protesting outside the Palakkad Railway Divisional Office against the decision to alter the Palakkad railway division. Additional police personnel were deployed and officers attempted to drag the protesters into vehicles. The activists resisted the move, declaring that the agitation would continue despite police action and that they would not back down.

The protest was organised against the Centre's decision, which DYFI said would undermine Keralam's railway development prospects. It also opposed the silence of Congress MPs from Keralam on the issue. CPI(M) district secretary E N Suresh Babu inaugurated the protest.

The DYFI march began at 8 am in front of the Palakkad Railway Divisional Office. Raising slogans against the Centre and what it described as the irresponsible stance of the state government, the protesters entered the divisional office compound and began a blockade.

A minor altercation broke out when male police officers attempted to stop women activists who reached office to participate in the protest. Police then tried to forcibly drag away and arrest the protesters, who were conducting a peaceful agitation. DYFI state leader T P Shafeeq and Aishwarya were among those arrested. Activists intervened when Aishwarya was dragged away by police.

DYFI said the agitation would continue until the decision to reorganise the railway division was withdrawn.

Later, activists led by DYFI district president Shibi marched out of the premises. Shibi said a march would be taken to the police station where the arrested activists were being held. He said the protest would continue until the government retracts ist decision, reiterating that it was an agitation being conducted for the entire state.

"This is a struggle for Keralam and has the support of people across society," Shibi said, adding that DYFI would intensify the agitation by mobilising people and young people across the state.

The protest marks the beginning of a stronger campaign by DYFI against the proposed division of the Palakkad railway division. The move has drawn criticism over its potential impact on train passengers and railway employees in Keralam, as well as its possible economic consequences for the state.

There have also been allegations that the UDF and BJP jointly betrayed the people of Keralam to serve the interests of Karnataka. Critics have alleged that the Centre proceeded with the decision to transfer the Mangaluru region to the Mysuru division after receiving an assurance that the UDF government would not oppose the move.