SFI protests marred by police; leaders demand withdrawal of cases
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Telangana unit on Monday alleged that peaceful protests held outside Collectorate offices in various districts, over various issues concerning
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Telangana unit on Monday alleged that peaceful protests held outside Collectorate offices in various districts, over various issues concerning school and college education, were disrupted by the police, who arrested leaders and, in some instances, booked criminal cases. The protests were organised to demand the resolution of issues in school education, including enactment of a fee regulation law, quality mid-day meals, textbooks to intermediate students and uniforms to school students.
The union was also demanding immediate release of pending scholarships and fee reimbursements. Scenes of tension were witnessed in Sangareddy, Mahabubabad, Mulugu, Karimnagar and Khammam districts. Particularly, in Sangareddy, several student leaders were arrested and cases were registered. The leaders condemning the police action, said the government was suppressing democratic protests instead of addressing students’ concerns. They said the Congress government, which came to power promising Praja Palana, was resorting to police action against students seeking the implementation of its own assurances.
The SFI alleged that the government had failed to fulfil key commitments, including supplying two sets of uniforms to school students and providing Intermediate textbooks on time. Scholarships and fee reimbursements amounting to ₹10,800 crore remain pending
and accused the government of attempting to weaken the fee reimbursement scheme through G.O. Nos. 7, 8 and 9. The organisation demanded immediate and unconditional release of all SFI leaders arrested during the protests and withdrawal of cases.
The BriefWire