Imphal, March 05: he talk between Students' Union of Pettigrew College (SUPC) and the Principal Secretary the Education Department, P Saratchandra broke down today, with no sign of any resolution.

The talk was held today at the Pettigrew College staff room from 11.45 am to 2.25 pm.

However during the talks no tangible solution could be arrived at the students were not satisfied with the assurances given by the Principal Secretary to 14 points charter of demands tabled by the SUPC.

During the talk, the Principal Secretary, on behalf of the Government appealed to the students to call off their stir and suspend the hunger strike.

In a bid to convinced the students, Saratchandra assured that their demands are under serious consideration and promised that he would do all he can within his capacity.

On the demand to the improve infrastructure of the college, the Principal Secretary informed that the Government has already earmarked a sum of Rs 1 crore for the college for the current fiscal and another Rs 50 thousand have been given to the Principal to meet the immediate requirements of the college.

Despite all the assurances given made by the officer, the students refused to budge and demanded to know why the authority continue to turn a deaf ear, without any consideration, inspite of the genuineness of their grievances.

To pacify the agitated students, the officer said that he is just a public servant and informed that all the decision should came through committee officials headed by the Chief Secretary.

To another question raised by the students why the two teachers posted at the college transferred by the government are yet to report for duty, officer was frank enough to admit that these two teachers may have failed to attend to their duty as they wield political clout.

He however assured that necessary action will be taken against the erring teachers.

On the demand for adequate lecturers, Saratchandra said that it will take another 2 to 3 months without giving any specific date.

As the assurances and appeal of the Principal Secretary failed to convince the students, they walked out of the talk after 2 hours of negotiation.

The adamant students said that they will continue with the hunger strike until their demands are met.

At present five students of the college including four girls have been hospitalised after the hunger strike began on February 27. The SUPC started the indefinite college bandh on February 25 and intensified their stir by launching a hunger strike participated by around 20 students of the college.

Eight of them fainted one after another during the hunger strike, which has entered its 8th day today.

The exhausted students were rushed to Leishiphung Christian Hospital and later shifted to Ukhrul District Hospital (UDH).

The hospitalised students, included general secretary of SUPC, Longreiyo Keishing.

However, he was discharged as his condition improved and he insisted for immediate release.

Expressing anguish and disappointment over the step motherly treatment towards the students community, he asserted that the fast unto death agitation will continue till the State Govt implement the 14 points charter of demands.

The students will not be taken in by verbal promises, he claimed.

Meanwhile, considering the gravity of the situation and the pulse of the SUPC, a number of organisations have extended their support including HKL, ZKL, RKL.

SANSA, Aza Katamnao Long, Zingtun Katamnao Long and Ato Katamnao Long and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, the apex body of the Tangkhul students.

Taking serious note of the situation as well as the attitude of the Govt a 24 hour general strike spearheaded by the TKS was called today (March 5).Govt offices were warned to remain shut for the day.

Pettigrew college though one of the oldest colleges in Manipur has been lying in a state of neglect for the last many decades.

The students of this college had been demanding adequate lecturers and other infrastructure for long but the Govt has turned a deaf ear to their demands.

General secretary of TKS Jolyson said that on February 29 the Additional Chief Secretary had come to the college for negotiation.

However, it was turned down by the SUPC.

The students who were being kept at UDH for treatment are insisting that they be discharged and warned that if the hospital authority continue to 'confine' them than they will resort to the extreme step of self immolation.

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