West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan today regretted his earlier remark that students who heckle teachers should be beaten up, but said that he wanted more discipline in educational institutions.
"Would have been better had I not said it," Narayanan said at a function of a college here.
After the assault of a college teacher in-charge allegedly by SFI activists at Kalinagar college at Sandeshkhali in North 24-Paraganas district in September, the Governor had remarked, "Students who beat their teachers should be beaten up."
The comment sparked off a controversy.
Narayanan said, "I want more discipline. My suggestion is if we want to maintain discipline, they should listen to the principal. I don't want outsiders."
West Bengal witnessed violence in several colleges over student politics and elections, with outsiders joining in the acts of vandalism and beating.
Even the prestigious Presidency College, which is now an university, saw vandalism last April by hoodlums, many from outside, provoking sharp criticism from several quarters, including the alumni spread all over the world.
