Pondicherry University students on indefinite fast; demand removal of VC

Stepping up their protest, which has entered Day 11, students of Pondicherry University on Thursday, began an indefinite fast to press for their demands, including the removal of the Vice-Chancellor.

Addressing the students, CPI (M) MLA from neighbouring Chidambaram constituency in Tamil Nadu, K Balakrishnan, said their demands were genuine and should be conceded.

The students are agitating since July 27 demanding removal of Vice-Chancellor Chandra Krishnamoorthy for alleged 'administrative chaos' and 'violation of human rights'. They are also demanding improvement in hostel facilities and other amenities.

Yesterday, Lt Governor A K Singh took stock of the situation and appealed to all concerned to "refrain from any type of agitation and violence and restore normalcy in the University." The HRD Ministry, which has direct administrative control over the university, had already been apprised of the situation.

It has decided to depute a committee of officials to hear the stakeholders, study the existing situation and make appropriate report to the Central government.