BESU violence: CM asked to intervene

Express news service Posted: Mar 29, 2008 at 0055 hrs
Kolkata, March 28 At a time when the BESU brass is being blamed for the violence on campus, the varsity authorities have pinned their hopes on a letter from the state government to decide the future course of action.

“We have informed the education minister and the chief minister about the ongoing campus violence. We are expecting a response from them soon,” said the registrar of the university, Biman Bandopadhyay.

The BESU Board of Management will meet on Monday to discuss the constitution of the inquiry committee, which will look into the incidents of violence. Meanwhile, about 500 SFI supporters demonstrated in front of the university's main gate today and demanded that the authorities ensure the return of normalcy. Angry with the protesting teachers, SFI supporters questioned the teachers' decision to boycott the examination and raised doubts about their dedication to academics.

"We want elections at the university. Students' elections are necessary for democracy but before that normalcy should be restored on campus," said Soumitra Adhikari, the Howrah district president of SFI. The All-Bengal University Teachers' Association, an anti-CPM forum, expressed resentment over the situation.