Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 2 -- Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday defended the police action against SFI protesters during Tuesday's demonstration in Thiruvananthapuram, saying water cannons were used only after the protesters confronted and attacked police personnel.

Speaking to reporters here, Chennithala said the use of water cannons was a routine measure and rejected suggestions that the police action was unusual.

"The police resorted to using water cannons only after protesters unnecessarily attacked and confronted police personnel. The use of water cannons is nothing new; they have been used over the past 10 years, and the same water is being used even now. There is no difference," Chennithala said.

His remarks...