Patna, Sept. 26: The indefinite hunger strike called by Patna University students owing allegiance to All India Students’ Federation (AISF) continued for the second day today.

Five students led by AISF state secretary Biswajeet Kumar are on strike demanding the suspension of Patna University pro-vice-chancellor Syed I. Ahson for making alleged anti Bihari remarks.

They are also demanding a rollback of Rs 1,000 fine for late registration in postgraduation courses and quick action against Patna Women’s College authorities in a ragging case. Piyush Ranjan Jha, an AISF member, told The Telegraph that the students had met Lal on Saturday but the talks failed as the authorities were unwilling to relent to the demands of the students.

A team of doctors from Patna Medical College and Hospital visited the students who on hunger strike. Kumar, who had low blood pressure, was referred to a hospital.

Teachers’ Democratic Forum convener N.K. Chaudhury said the teachers’ union supported the agitation. Chaudhury said: “The democratic right of the teachers and the students should be protected. The state government and the university authorities should not try to curb these rights.” AISF members had met Patna University vice-chancellor Shyam Lal and other university officials to press their demands. The university authorities agreed to reduce the fine to Rs 500.

The students, however, claim that imposing any amount of fine is absolutely unfair because a 50-day strike by non-teaching employees last month crippled several colleges and departments of the university, resulting in the delay in registration.

The agitating students are also demanding the early release of pending results of many courses as delay in the same renders the students unable to fill forms for competitive examinations and other courses outside the state.