Bhubaneswar, Nov. 2: Utkal University authorities have decided to seek police help to stop student clashes on the campus before the visit of a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team on November 17.

Yesterday, the varsity authorities discussed the matter with the police, apprehending that the NAAC team might face protests from a section of students.

As it is, the campus has been the scene of frequent clashes after student polls. The recent clash took place on October 25 when two students suffered injuries after being assaulted by another group of students along with some outsiders. Ever since the incident, the campus has been volatile despite the arrest of two youths so far.

Sources said a number of student groups had been threatening to create disturbances during the NAAC team's visit between November 17 and 19. "The NAAC team's visit is significant for overall development of the university. Several funding agencies take account of the assessment to provide funds for the educational institute. If the students create any trouble during the NAAC visit, it will hamper the image of the university," said a faculty member.

The NAAC team evaluates the universities on several criteria, including the curricular aspect, infrastructure, research facilities, learning resources and student support towards the management.

Postgraduate council chairman R.K. Bal said they had been communicating with various students groups. "All the students have agreed to co-operate with the NAAC team during their visit. However, we have taken some preventive measures such as locking the boys' hostel gates by 11pm and checking the identity of visitors at the main entrance after 10pm. We will also ensure that no outsiders are allowed into the campus," said Bal.

On the other hand, the police said that around two platoons of police had been deployed on the campus to restore peace, and they would remain till November 20.

"We have identified two portions of boundary wall which have been broken and can be used by outsiders to enter the campus. We will ask the varsity authorities to repair the broken walls immediately. We are also preparing a list of students and outsiders frequently involved in clashes on the campus," said a police official.

The Utkal University was set up in 1943 and presently offers 68 courses, including postgraduate ones in 27 subjects. The university campus spreads over 397 acres with more than 3,000 students.