In the absence of positive results, the Chalo Eflu rally will now continue as a “Maha Dharna” outside gate no. 2 of the English and Foreign Languages University on May 19.
A group of representatives of political leaders and civil rights activists from Telangana met members of the university administration regarding the restitution of students, Mohan Dharavath, Subhash Kumar and Satish Nainala, who were rusticated for allegedly breaking a glass door during a mass protest not in favor of closure of the only reading room on campus.
Since the Vice-Chancellor was on leave, any decision regarding the rustication could be made once she came back, they were informed.
All the gates of the university were locked and over 120 police staff was deployed at all six gates and within the campus at the administrative block.
Students, along with supporters, ensconced an Ambedkar statue in front of the university administration block on Monday as a mark of protest.
Prof. P.L. Vishweswara Rao, OU, Vemulla Ellanna, writer and scholar, Raghunath, Civil Liberties Committee, Prof. Surepally Sujata, Shatavahana University, Prof. G. Laxman, vice-president, CLC, Veda Kumar, TPF, Sandhya from POW, Vimalakka, convener, TUF, Mary Kumari Madiga from Telangana Mahila JAC and others met the administration team comprising Dr Vijay Krishnan, in-charge VC, Dr Kona Reddy, deputy proctor, Surabhi Bharati, Harish Vijra, proctor, DSW and Dr Venkat Reddy, and gave a representation for the withdrawal of the rustication.
According to Prakash Kona, deputy proctor, Eflu, “The administration’s position remains unchanged. We had a meeting with the delegation and we appreciate their intervention, but we want an appeal from the students. The V-C is out on official work this week. She will be back next week and will take a decision.”