Presidency University students' strike for accommodation enters 2nd day

The indefinite fast by a section of students of Presidency University demanding immediate accommodation in the under-renovation Hindu hostel entered the second day Tuesday. 

Sayan Chakraborty, one of the agitating students, said the number of fasting students at the campus have gone up to 10 during the day and one of the fasting students have fallen sick. 

The fast began at the campus portico from 10 pm on Monday. 

The fast by some of the students began on Monday night even as 50 students had already been camping at the university main building's first-floor corridor since August 3 turning the corridor into a makeshift hostel. 

Few among the 50 students have joined the indefinite fast. The students are demanding that the authorities take initiative to shift the 50 students to two blocks of Hindu hostel immediately, Ujan, one of the agitating students, said. 

A university spokesman earlier said, "We had explained to the agitating students that the Hindu Hostel can be thrown open to them only after PWD declares it fit for use after renovation. We hope better senses will prevail." 

The students were claiming that renovation in two of the six blocks of the Hindu Hostel building has already been completed and they should be accommodated in these two blocks. 

The Hindu Hostel, adjoining the College Street institution, had been shut down for repairs on July 29, 2015 and 150 boarders were shifted to a rented accommodation at New Town. 

The authorities had last year assured the students that all the six blocks of the hostel would be opened for the boarders after completion of renovation work by the first week of August this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)