26 girls among 61 students hospitalised so far

:The indefinite fast by students of Forest College and Research Institute at nearby Mettupalayam entered the fifth day today, with 61 so far being admitted to the government Hospital there after they fell ill.
Over 200 students have been on indefinite fast since February 17, as there was no positive response from Government on their two-point demand of 100 per cent reservation for the post of rangers and quota in appointment of foresters, for forestry graduates to their sit-in-dharna stir from Jan 27.
Students alleged that despite resorting to various types of agitations, government has not come forward to break the deadlock, though two senior ministers had a couple of days ago, met a few representatives and reportedly told them the issue would be consider the issue.

However the students decided to continue their agitation as there was no firm commitment
Of those hospitalised 26 are girls.
Meanwhile, former union minister and DMK leader, A Raja visited the students at the Institute and Hospital and told them that party treasurer M K Stalin has assured to take up the issue in the Assembly.