Music College students threaten hunger strike

BHUBANESWAR: The third day of the strike by students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya here on Monday was marked by police presence on the campus. The students are protesting lack of basic hostel amenities and absence of permanent teachers.  The students alleged that a cycle stand had been converted into a hostel while the girls hostel is too far from the campus. “Most of the girl students feel insecure when they return in the night after viewing programmes,’’ said a girl student. Lack of permanent lecturers is another issue. “While five lecturers are permanent, the rest 18 are guest faculty,” said another student. The police intervened on Monday to broker peace between agitating students and authorities. The principal also asked the students to call off the strike saying  they are ready to meet the demands. But the students wanted it in writing. They further threatened to launch hunger strike after two days, if the demands are not conceded.   The students have also decided to boycott the Plus Two and Plus Three examinations scheduled to commence from Tuesday