Odisha varsity closed indefinitely fearing students' unrest

The Central University of Orissa (CUO) was today closed for an indefinite period due to apprehension of violence during an on-going agitation by students, Vice-Chancellor Sachidananda Mohanty said.

Students were asked to vacate the university situated at Sunabeda in Koraput district, and police personnel were deployed at the campus to prevent any untoward incident.

"As there was possibility of violence during the agitation, the university was closed sine die to avoid any untoward incident in the campus," Mohanty said.

Press for their 60-point charter of demands, the students held a dharna last evening after a meeting with the authorities remained inconclusive.

The students were demanding, among others, appointment of permanent professors, round-the-clock healthcare facilities at the campus, hostel facilities for research scholars, 24-hour water supply in hostels and installation of ATM counter.

Student leaders said there was no need for indefinitely closing the university as their agitation was peaceful.

They said they had been pressing for fulfilment of the demands for a long time but their plea went unheeded.

However, the VC said over 90 per cent of the students' demands have been fulfilled.

"Appointment of regular faculties in the university requires sanction from the government and it is in process, Mohanty said.