# Political unrest and clashes in Kerala > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-unrest-and-clashes-in-kerala > Updated: 2026-09-30T16:16:33.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Political unrest and clashes between rival youth and student wings have intensified in Kerala. Initial demonstrations involved the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) protesting against government agendas and specific legal cases. During these marches, police utilized water cannons, an action defended by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala as a routine response to protesters attacking personnel, though SFI activists alleged the use of excessive force. Violence escalated following clashes in Thiruvananthapuram during a Youth Congress march, where stone-pelting and the throwing of torches led to physical altercations and police lathi charges. In the wake of these incidents, authorities booked 160 individuals—split equally between SFI and Youth Congress members—on charges including obstruction of public ways and damage to property. Unrest has since spread to districts such as Kasaragod and Kollam, involving demonstrations against ministers and disputes over political memorials. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Kerala political clashes spark widespread protests and police cases Political clashes between SFI and Youth Congress in Kerala have led to widespread protests and 160 police cases following violent confrontations in Thiruvananthapuram. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-political-clashes-spark-widespread-protests-and-police-cases ### 2026-09-01: Kerala police use water cannons against SFI protesters Police used water cannons against SFI and DYFI protesters in Kerala. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala defended the action as a routine response to attacks, while activists alleged excessive force. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-police-use-water-cannons-against-sfi-protesters --- Cite as: Political unrest and clashes in Kerala. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-unrest-and-clashes-in-kerala