Pahalgam seminar cancellation sparks political storm and free speech debate at Kerala University
Controversy continues to swirl at Kerala University following the cancellation of a seminar in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack by the Department of Tamil a few days ago. The event, originally scheduled for May 9, was called off after Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal deemed it 'anti-national.'
Although the university has opted not to initiate disciplinary action against the research scholar who coordinated the programme or the Head of the Department (HoD), the incident has ignited political tensions. The Students Federation of India (SFI) has condemned the V-C, accusing him of aligning with the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Tensions escalated further during a Syndicate meeting on Tuesday when Left and BJP-backed members locked horns over the issue.
A notice for the discussion proposed under the 'Friday Literary Circle' at the department set off the controversy. The organisers also circulated a link to an article 'Pahalgam attack: Truths drowned in nationalist frenzy' from a Tamil website, which criticised the Union government for exploiting national sentiments, particularly in the lead-up to the elections in Bihar.
Prof. Kunnummal subsequently instructed the Registrar to cancel the programme and called for an explanation form the HoD. The HoD, Hepsy Rose Mary A., expressed regret over the issue, clarifying that the programme was organised without her knowledge. The programme coordinator also tendered an apology. Based on their responses, the university decided not to take any further action, though the Vice-Chancellor submitted a report to the Chancellor.
The SFI waded into the controversy by accusing Prof. Kunnummal of stifling free speech for political reasons. They also demanded an apology, alleging that the Vice-Chancellor had unfairly labelled students as anti-nationals and threatened them with investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They also called for Statewide protests against him.
Responding to the allegations, Prof. Kunnummal claimed to have received complaints from students regarding similar programmes. Under such circumstances, he has ordered the Registrar to review the content of seminars and events held over the last year. The inquiry will also investigate whether students typically organise such events without informing department heads.
Defending his decision to cancel the event, Prof. Kunnummal said it would be inappropriate for the university to permit an event that criticises Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. 'Those who now call for peace were previously supportive of the Hamas attack on Israel. Such positions are part of a political agenda,' the Vice-Chancellor observed.
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