Kozhikode
The indefinite strike called by around 500 first year students of KMCT Polytechnic College at Mukkom in Kozhikode district was temporarily called off on Tuesday even as they locked the Vice-Principal inside the college as a mark of protest.
The strike was launched on Monday demanding that an immediate solution be found to their concerns. The students had alleged that they had failed in the English paper in the second semester exams that were held in January this year when the teachers had gone on strike in protest against non-payment of salaries. They were not able to attend the exams due to the strike. Though the students were told after resolving the teachers’ strike that they would be given another chance to appear for the exams, the results showed them as failed. Now, they would have to appear for the supplementary exams.
Local police officials held talks with both student representatives and college authorities as the strike entered the second day on Tuesday. The Vice-Principal promised to consult the Directorate of Technical Education in Thiruvananthapuram on holding the exams afresh.
It was pointed out that Linto Joseph, Thiruvambady MLA, too had been informed about it. Student organisations have threatened to launch an agitation if the students are not allowed to appear for the exams in the regular category.
