Rohith Vemula suicide: Students seek unconditional revocation of suspension

Hyderabad: Fresh protests rocked the Hyderabad Central University campus on Friday with students seeking "unconditional" revocation of suspension of four dalit students and action against those responsible for the alleged suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula .

A day after Hyderabad Central University revoked the suspension of four dalit students against whom action was taken along with Rohith, students said the revocation was not "unconditional", as per the circular issued by the university, Student leader, Zuhail, said it should be devoid of all conditions appended to it.

"One of our beloved friend was institutionally murdered. We are fighting for justice, still the University of Hyderabad feels that this is an extraordinary situation. Are they still mocking us. We can't even understand the language you are using...if the extraordinary situation goes away, will it (extraordinary situation) come back," Zuhail said.

The indefinite fast, started by seven students following the suicide of Vemula, entered the third day today and other forms of protests are also continuing.
A medical check-up was carried out on the fasting students this morning and the blood pressure of some of them was found varying, Zuhail said.

Asked about reports that Wi-Fi facility for students was disconnected in the university, he said they were not sure about it. However, some other students reported that the Wi-Fi network on the campus was slow. Asked if there is any possibility of talks between the university authorities and the protesting students, Zuhail said it will be discussed by the students joint action committee, if an offer comes.

The university authorities had yesterday "terminated" the punishment imposed on the students, but the protesting students were not satisfied with the revocation of the suspension.

In solidarity with the students, the Controller of Examinations, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Warden were and 10 other faculty members belonging to SC-ST communities had given up their administrative posts, which they were holding as an additional responsibility.

Vijaya Kumar, one of the students, whose suspension was revoked, had said this was not enough. 

"The VC must go.This (revocation) is a welcome decision. But we can't celebrate it because Rohith is not there. We are not able to accept your decision. We have other demands like appropriate compensation and a job for one of the members of Rohith's family," he said.