Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Jun 16: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has condemned the alleged action taken by Mangalore University authorities against students who held a protest demanding solutions to various issues faced by them.
In a statement, ABVP said that students who participated in a peaceful protest in front of the university administrative building on June 12 were arrested with the help of the police department, which it termed as an attempt to suppress the students’ voice.
ABVP state joint secretary Suvith Shetty, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, said that instead of addressing the concerns raised by students, the vice-chancellor had been giving various reasons without providing concrete solutions. He stated that the protest was conducted peacefully after obtaining permission from the police department, and the arrest of students instead of resolving their genuine demands was highly condemnable.
He further said that Mangalore University, which was once considered one of the reputed universities in the country, has been losing its reputation in recent years due to administrative failures, alleged corruption, negligence, and mismanagement. Students are facing several issues, including lack of basic facilities, unnecessary fee burdens, shortage of permanent teaching staff, and limited employment opportunities.
ABVP stressed that students have a democratic right to raise their concerns peacefully and that suppressing their voices through police action is not acceptable. The organisation demanded that the university administration immediately address the students’ issues and hold respectful discussions with them. It also warned that the protest movement would be intensified if the demands were not considered.
Mangalore University Students’ Union president Yashwin alleged that when students raised their concerns regarding basic facilities and their demands, the vice-chancellor had reportedly stated that the university could provide only limited facilities and advised students who were not satisfied to look for other universities or colleges.
The press conference was attended by Mangalore University Students’ Union president Yashwin, secretary Nihar, and ABVP Konaje City secretary Manu.