Hundreds of students took to the streets in the town on Thursday condemning the State government’s decision not to implement the free bus pass facility for students.
Traffic was affected for about half-an-hour as the protesting students, including a large number of girls, squatted on the road at Mekke Circle in the heart of the town.
The police tried to persuade the students to disperse. However, the students refused to budge and continued the protest. Then they proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises where they held a dharna.
Led by the district unit of Students Federation of India (SFI), the students of various government and private educational institutions held a procession in the town. They raised slogans condemning the ‘anti-student’ policy of the government.
SFI district president K. Vasudeva Reddy said students, particularly from rural areas and poor families, will be hit due to the government’s decision. He wanted the KSRTC to withdraw a circular which directed the students to pay for the pass.
SFI district vice-president Mustaf, and taluk unit president Gayathri participated.