A vehicle leaves the Utkal University premises and (above) security personnel deployed
at the varsity screen a motorist in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: Utkal University authorities have decided to resume classes from tomorrow.
The varsity had been closed indefinitely since September 19 following violence on the campus ahead of its student union polls that were supposed to be held on September 23 but were eventually cancelled.
The decision to reopen came after the university authorities held a discussion with police officers.
A nine-member university team spoke to police commissioner Y.B. Khurania, following which the decision was taken.
'Students will be allowed to enter the university through main gate with their identity cards after 9am on Monday. The security forces will check their identity cards at the gate,' said postgraduate council chairman of the university, Brahmananda Satpathy. There will be no restrictions on the students staying in hostels on the campus.
'Adequate police forces will be deployed on the campus to check any untoward situations. We had a meeting with the varsity authorities and have assured them of all the necessary help,' said the police commissioner.
Tension prevailed in the university after some unidentified persons had hurled at least two high-intensity crackers on the varsity campus, forcing the police to clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC near the main gate.
Earlier, at least two students had been injured in a clash involving students and outsiders. A motorcycle was damaged during the clash.
Also, a group of students ransacked the vice-chancellor's office, protesting against cancellation of the polls.
Prior to this, the university administration had warned the student organisations and student leaders to cancel the polls if violence took place.
'Security on the campus is top priority for us. We will try to ensure that no student feels unsafe at the university,' said Satpathy.