Week-long youth fest witnesses protests

Mandi, Nov 7 : The concluding function of the week-long state University Festival being held in the sprawling government college campus was marred by slogan shouting and hooliganism this evening soon after the arrival of chief minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal, who had to declare the Youth Festival closed.

Hundreds of volunteers of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) suddenly mobbed into the Pandal raising slogans against the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Onkar Sharma after pushing back the large contingent of police and home-guards.

The trouble was brewing since past one month when the Deputy Commissioner had allegedly slapped an office-bearer of ABVP which sparked off month-long agitation during which the ABVP, the student wing of BJP, the ruling party of the state, had been burning the effigies of DC and holding rallies in the town.

The ABVP had, in vain, pleading with the local minister to at least transfer the DC, but it fell on deaf ears as the general impression was that the (DC) was a confidant of the chief minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal.

Mr Dhumal was seen visibly upset with the ugly scene at the college campus. Police pushed agitating students out of the Pandal.

As the chief minister came out to address the students, there was sporadic stone throwing followed by mild lathi-charge. Students ran away and blocked the national highway-21.

Addressing the students and guests chief minister said the agitation against the IIT was uncalled for and added that it was for the supreme interest of the students.

He said as many as 8 more halls would be constructed in the college campus.

He assured that the genuine grievances of the students would be heard and redressed.

Nearly, half-a-dozen of cabinet colleagues of the chief minister were also present.

--UNI

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