Mananthavady: The Syndicate meeting of the KCYM Mananthavady Diocese has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in clashes, group rivalries, and incidents of severe violence among students in various educational institutions across Wayanad district. The meeting warned that if such tendencies are not addressed urgently, they could lead to grave social repercussions in the near future.

Diocesan President Nikhil Choodiyankal says that the spread of violent behavior among students at an age meant for learning, personal growth, and the building of healthy friendships sends a disturbing signal to society. He stressed that schools, which should be safe spaces for nurturing values and discipline, are increasingly witnessing incidents that disrupt their peaceful atmosphere.

KCYM made it clear that such developments cannot be treated lightly. The organization demanded strong and coordinated intervention by school managements, parents, and the legal system to ensure that even minor disagreements among students do not escalate into serious conflicts. The meeting also highlighted the urgent need to strengthen counselling mechanisms within schools and called upon teachers and parents to be more vigilant in identifying behavioral changes among children at an early stage.

The Syndicate further urged authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry into whether the growing influence of drug networks or harmful trends promoted through social media platforms are contributing to this rise in student violence. It was pointed out that addressing student issues should go beyond disciplinary action alone, and that structured programmes focusing on mental health support, awareness, and value education must be implemented at the school level. Alongside this, KCYM demanded enhanced police monitoring in and around school premises to ensure student safety.

Emphasizing that children are the hope of the future, the meeting called upon the Church and the wider society to remain alert and proactive in preventing young minds from being misled. KCYM also announced that concrete action plans would be rolled out at the diocesan level to guide students towards a value-based, disciplined, and creative way of life.

The meeting was chaired by Diocesan President Nikhil Choodiyankal and attended by Vice President Vindhya Padinjarel, General Secretary Robin Biju Vadakkekkara, Secretaries Divya Pattasseriyil and Christy Karuvallithara, Treasurer Naveen Pulakkudiyil, Coordinator Britto Vazhayil, Diocesan Director Fr. Santo Ambalathara, Animator Sr. Rose Tom SABS, and State Senate members Tijin Joseph Vellaplakkal, Duna Maria Kizhakke Mannur, and Amalda Thuppumkara, who also shared their views during the deliberations.