WB-PRESIDENCY-FAST

Presidency University Vice Chancellor Anuradha Lohia on Sunday urged a section of

agitating students to immediately withdraw their stir against a disciplinary action by the varsity.

Lohia met the seven students, who have been fasting since Friday to protest the December 19 notification by

Presidency authorities to suspend three students for locking the gate of the university in September, during the agitation

regarding accommodation at the Hindu Hostel. "This is not the way. Please withdraw your fast

immediately," the VC, who came to the varsity to attend the 202nd Founders' Day programme, told the agitating students.

The seven protesting students include the three facing suspension.

One of the agitating students, Ujan, said the VC had wanted the three to offer an "unconditional apology" but "we

cannot do that". Lohia had earlier reduced the suspension period from

one year to six months "considering their career prospects". A university official said the authorities are upset

with the students taking the path of agitation on the founders' day programme, which hosted eminent invitees.