Tensions persist at QAU over students release from police captivity

ISLAMABAD: The students at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) on Monday have once again boycotted the classes to mount pressure on the varsity’s administration to concede their ‘just demands’.

In an apparent protest, the students locked the varsity staffers out of the university departments on early Monday morning in a sheer defiance to the QAU administration.

The admin department was sealed and the varsity management remained baffled as how to tackle the matter.

Raising slogans against the QAU administration, the defiant students suspended transport services after deflating tires of the varsity buses.

The security personnel were deployed inside and at the university’s main gate. The management said that the police would continue to perform duties until the situation comes under control.

Negotiations failed?

The similar chaotic atmosphere was witnessed on last Monday after the students went on a rampage as the university resumed classes then.

Two contrary claims emerged in connection with the negotiations between the students’ committee and the varsity’s administration.

The QAU management had then announced a successful negotiation with the protesting students, besides resuming the classes. However, the students then claimed that the matter was still unresolved.

Three-member committee

A committee was formed last week to resolve the ongoing issues with students. However, the deadlock seemingly remains intact.

The students of Quaid-e-Azam University launched a protest against an increment in tuition fees earlier this month.

The students had then given a call to boycott classes until their demands were met. The university administration then sought help of authorities against defiant students.

Subsequently, the federal police launched a crackdown against these students and registered cases against them under various sections.

Current situation

The university administration and protesting students held negotiations on Oct 19. The resumption of classes was announced after the QAU administration claimed the talks were successful.

On the flip side, the students’ committee claimed that both parties were still to reach a decision over students who were either taken into police custody or expelled.