College students to launch relay hunger strike
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 14 2012:
Pushing for various demands, the Coordination Committee of College Students' Union Manipur has decided to launch a relay hunger strike from October 17 together with many other forms of agitation.
Speaking to media persons this afternoon at DESAM office, co-convenor of the committee P Baleshwar said that a memorandum was submitted to the Education Minister on September 19 to make up the shortfalls and requirements of Government colleges as well as aided colleges.
But the Government has not given any positive response till date.
This has compelled the committee to launch protest agitation of various sorts.
From October 17 to October 26, college students would undertake relay hunger strike at different districts.
One main demand of the college student, as highlighted in the September 19 memorandum, is appointment of regular Principals and Director.
Inspection of lavatories in Government colleges followed by necessary actions and ensuring potable water in colleges was another point of the memorandum.
Provision of adequate infrastructure and staff in both Government colleges and aided colleges also figured in the memorandum.
It also complained about lack of internet facility, inadequate science laboratories and unavailability of regular power.
In view of the pathetic power supply situation of the State, the students demanded installation of solar power facilities in colleges.
The relay hunger strike would be launched on October 17 at YK College in Thoubal district.
Students of Kakching Khunou College and Imphal College would undertake similar agitation simultaneously on October 18 and 19 .
College students of Bishnupur district would join the protest agitation at Bishnupur Keithel on October 20 .
The strike would be continued on October 24 and 25 by students of Biramangol College and Modern College.
Students of DMC of Arts, DMC of Science, DMC of Commerce and GP Women's College would join the relay hunger strike on October 26 at the gates of their respective colleges.
In case the Government fails to consider the demands positively even after the relay hunger strike, more intense forms of agitation would be launched, Baleshwar said.