Nursing students arrested in Pondy

Pondicherry, July 14 (UNI) More than 100 nursing students of the Vinayaga Mission's College of Para Medical Science at Kirumambakkam near here were arrested today when they picketed the Pondicherry Legislative Assembly to press their demands.

The college had admitted students in 2002-03 and 2003-04 for the B.Sc nursing course. However, the Pondicherry University had not granted affiliation to the college due to which the students were unable to appear for the examinations. The students organised several agitations in this regard.

The management of the college moved the Madras High Court against the decision of the Pondicherry University.

In respnse to a direction from the court, a team from the Pondicherry University had conducted an inspection at the college on June 15 and refused to grant affiliation. The management again approached the court against the rejection by the university.

The students, led by SFI leaders spearheading the agitation, the students called on Chief Minister N Rangasamy yesterday and pleaded for justice. The Chief Minister asked them to remain calm as the case was coming up at the Madras High Court today and an advocate on behalf of the Pondicherry government was appearing.

However, when the students came to know that the government advocate had failed to appear in the court, they got agitated and picketed the Assembly.

As the request of the police to disperse proved futile, the police used mild force on the boys and removed them. Later, women police constables were passed into action to remove the girl students.

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