Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)

Kasargod, Dec 22: Hundreds of students from Kerala who were stranded in Mangaluru hostels and educational institutions during protests and curfew over the Citizenship Amendment Act and proposed NRC were sent back to Kasargod by special buses on the evening of Saturday December 21.

Kerala government had requested to provide for their safe return. State revenue minister E Chandrashekaran took special initiative on directions from deputy commissioner. The students were brought to Kasargod by Kerala KSRTC buses at about 7 pm. The students reached Kasargod in five buses with police escort.

Revenue minister E Chandrashekaran and deputy commissioner Dr D Sajith Babu welcomed the students.

The students hail from Kasargod and other districts of the state. The district administration arranged for conveyance of more than 300 students till Kasargod and beyond.

It is said that there was scarcity of food in Mangaluru hostels due to curfew. They were getting food from hostel canteens during the last three days, but it would not have been possible to continue amid the curfew. Students have commended the action by Kerala state government and the district administration. The administration has said that they will find out if any more students have been stranded in Mangaluru.

Curfew was imposed in Mangaluru after violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act on December 19. The protesters had pelted stones and burnt tyres, and in response the police had resorted to lathi charge and opened fire. Curfew has been relaxed in the city on Sunday December 22 during day time.