Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 27: Students of Utkal University Monday organised a peace march on the varsity campus seeking to usher in tranquility after recent disturbances.
Vice-chancellor Ashok Das joined the march and advised the students to maintain peace and serenity on the campus. Violence broke out recently on the campus after some students clashed with a rival group over denial of admission to a meritorious student.
The postgraduate council also convened an emergency meeting Friday and decided to keep a seat each in Commerce and Library Science streams where the said students had topped the entrance exam but were reportedly denied admission after they allegedly produced fake documents.
“The court will look into the matter. The concerned student produced fake documents due to which his right to admission was terminated. We will keep seats vacant for him in the concerned streams. After the court’s verdict, it will be decided if the student will get admission or not,” said an official of the varsity here.
A day after the meeting of high-level officials, a dozen students blocked the national highway in protest for several hours. They also burned tires and clashed with a rival group, with many students getting injured.
“The varsity which was infamous for untoward activities a few years back has now regained its earlier tag. Ever since the new vice-chancellor joined, there was a semblance of peace on the campus but now things are again going awry,” said an official of the varsity seeking anonymity.
The students who participated in Monday’s peace march urged warring students to maintain peace on the campus. “The university is a place for studies. Such irregular activities should be avoided by students. We are here to study, not to fight,” said Smitanjali Pradhan, a student.