ABVP protests at Mangalore University over exam-related issues

Team Udayavani, Nov 16, 2024, 10:41 AM IST

Ullal: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest on Friday in front of the administrative block of Mangalore University, voicing their concerns over issues such as errors in marks cards, increased examination fees in affiliated colleges, and problems with the UUEMS portal.

The protest turned tense when students attempted to storm the Vice Chancellor’s office inside the administrative building. Police intervened to stop the students, leading to a scuffle. In the process, the glass entrance door of the administrative block was shattered, resulting in minor injuries to a female police officer and a student.

Students staged a sit-in protest at the entrance, prompting Vice Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma to express his dissatisfaction with their actions. After intense discussions and slogan-shouting, Prof. Dharma assured the students that the university administration would submit a report to the government to resolve the issues. Following this assurance, the protest was called off by noon.

From early morning, thousands of students from colleges under the university’s jurisdiction, including Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, arrived at the Mangalagangothri campus in special buses. They marched to the administrative block, where police had set up barricades to prevent them from entering. However, a group of students managed to breach the barricades and attempted to enter the building.

Government Report Promised
Prof. Dharma assured the students that the university’s syndicate would take their grievances seriously. He also committed to submitting a report to the government by the evening regarding the day’s events and the issues raised. The students warned of intensified protests if their demands were not met promptly.

Key Leaders Present
The protest saw participation from ABVP Mangalore Division Coordinator Ganesh Poojary, Mangalore Organizational Secretary Chandrashekhar Marathe, District Coordinator Suvith Shetty, Mangalore City Secretary Monish, Udupi City Secretary Srivatsa, and student leaders including Shrilakshmi, Mandar, Bharat, Harsha, and Prateek.