Protests erupted in Puducherry on Monday with a large number of students from various institutions condemning the Central and Tamil Nadu governments holding them responsible for the death of Ariyalur student S. Anitha.
The students boycotted classes and took out a procession from Anna Salai to the head post office. They staged a demonstration in front of the head post office, condemning the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government on the issue of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for MBBS admissions.
The agitators, owing allegiance to the Students Federation of India (SFI) and various other outfits, carried photographs of Anitha who allegedly committed suicide recently and sought justice in her death.
The procession had a large number of college girls. They raised slogans seeking justice for the death of Anitha, who could not realise her dream of becoming a doctor because of the adoption of NEET-based MBBS admission. Policemen were deployed in strength on Rangapillai Street since the students had planned to lay siege to the Raj Nivas.
A section of the students even tried to enter the BSNL office in the vicinity. The police intervened and removed the protesters.
Around 40 volunteers of Naam Tamizhar Katchi were taken into custody when they resorted to a sit-in at the head post office.
Show of solidarity
Meanwhile, students owing allegiance to the Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) in Pondicherry Central University staged a demonstration in front of the main gate of the campus demanding justice for Anitha and abolition of NEET.
Students of the Government Arts and Science Colleges in Cuddalore and Vridhdhachalam boycotted classes and staged a demonstration holding the Centre and the State government responsible for Anitha’s suicide and demanded withdrawal of NEET.
Students of Annamalai University in Chidambaram joined the protests. The administration had declared a holiday for all departments on Monday.