Kochi: Maharaja’s College was in turmoil on Thursday with over 250 students blocking both the entries to the college and preventing teachers from punching on machines on their arrival.
The students, who have been agitating for the past four days opposing autonomy, paralysed the college on Thursday. “In the coming days, if no action is taken, we will intensify the strike,” said Balu Pradeep, secretary of SFI, Maharaja’s College unit.
A section of teachers is also staging a dharna in front of the college while 10 of the 15 transferred for opposing autonomy got a reprieve with the Kerala Administrative Tribunal staying their transfer.
The stalemate continues even as university-level exams are scheduled to start on Monday. “Model exams have been postponed. Several crucial forms related to the students are yet to be filled and work related to the arts and sports quota allocation too is hit,” said Ritu, a student.
The ‘Save Maharajas Forum’ floated for opposing the stir claimed that 3,000 students and 160 teachers preferred autonomy. “The agitators did not raise any word when two self-financing courses functioned even before the grant of autonomy status,” the forum leaders said adding there was no basis on the fears on quota.
The forum is led by Mr T.P. Ibrahim Khan, Prof. M.G. Rajagopal, Dr. Mary Matilda and Prof. Rajasree.
