ACKHSA withdraws blockade after assurance from VC

From our Special Correspondent

Silchar, Aug 2: As the 48 hour ultimatum of All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) on their 7 point charter of demands submitted to the Vice-Chancellor expired on July 31, in protest against the indifference of the authorities concerned, it decided to go for 2 hour blockade of the main gate of the University today. The blockade joined by the members and supports of ACKHSA which started from 7:30 am in the morning created hurdles not only on the entry of students, but the movement of all sorts of vehicular traffic between Silchar and Hailakandi came to a halt. The classes to MBA start at 7:30 in the morning.

 But, as the faculty members from some other University were on a visit to the campus with academic agenda and the Assam University officials had to go to the airport to collect them, on the advice of the VC, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Proctor met the ACKHSA leaders and persuaded them to lift the barricade.

Responding to the request, ACKHSA decided to lift the blockade. But, it was conditiol. The Association leaders wanted firm commitment on their demands. Prof. Somth Dasgupta, Vice-Chancellor, called them for a meeting in his conference hall which ACKHSA decided to attend.

 Prof. Somth Dasgupta made it clear to the ACKHSA delegation that the demands within the authority of the University had been considered. In almost all the departments, seats have been increased. The last date for admission has been extended to August 7. It has also been decided without disturbing SC and ST quota for admission, seats for admission for OBC, if not available, can be turned into general category. As regards 90% reservation for admission of students of the 5 districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong, the VC said it had already been taken up with the HRD Ministry and their decision was awaited.  It is to be recollected that the Association submitted 7 point charter of demands which included admission to all eligible students of this University, increasing the intake capacity, admission of rank holders on priority basis, 90% reservation for students of this University, reservation for SC/ST/OBC should be limited to students of 5 districts, 10% reservation for students of other areas and permanent solution to the admission tangle. Those who formed part of the delegation of ACKHSA today included Rupam ndi Purkayastha, advisor central committee, Biswajit Deb, convener, and 9 other members.