Cochin University of Science and Technology suspends ban' on mobile phones

KOCHI: In the face of strong protests from the students on the campus the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) authorities did not enforce the ban on mobile phones on the campus on Monday. SFI activists had launched a day-night protest since Sunday night against the ban following which pro-vice-chancellor P.G. Sankaran and registrar (in-charge) Sunil Narayanankutty held talks with the student representatives on Monday.

“We were told that they will not enforce the ban for the time being and that the students can hold a formal meeting with the VC and registrar on Wednesday. Following this we decided to hold back the agitation at 11 am,” said SFI Cusat unit secretary Sajad Chemmukkan. “Our agitation is not over. We are just stepping back for the time being and our response will be as per the decision of the VC,” Mr Sajad said.

KSU unit secretary Abbad Lutfi said that such ban will not be allowed on campus and today they did not unleash a major agitation since the ban was not enforced.
Interestingly, the university ban order didn’t have any direct reference to mobile phones and instead used the word ‘audio-video recording machines’. The move comes nearly a month after the university suspended three faculty members, including the Head of Marine Geology and Geophysics for “mentally harassing” a girl student. The latter, using her mobile phone, had recorded a video of her professors allegedly hurling bad words at her which resulted in the punitive action.