MSU Fine Arts students call off their 66-day-old agitation

Vadodara, July 13 (UNI) The students of the city-based M S University today called off their 66-day-old agitation, a day after Gujarat Governor N K Sharma set up a high-level fact finding committee to probe into the row over exhibition of ''obscene'' paintings in the institution's Faculty of Fine Arts.

Agitating students' leader Aviram, welcoming the setting up of the probe committee, said the decision to call off the agitation was taken at an emergency meeting of the students today.

The Governor in the capacity of a visitor to the University, yesterday appointed a three-member committee headed by Indian Institute of Rural Management of Anand (IRMA) chairman Y K Alagh to probe into the incident.

A student, Chandramohan, was arrested after local BJP leaders stormed through an exhibition of paintings allegedly depicting Hindu gods and goddesses in an obscene manner.

The students launched an indefinite agitation boycotting classes, which soon got the support of several social organisations after the university authorities placed the then in-charge dean Prof Shivaji Panikkar under suspension for his open support to the students' movement.

Condemning the ''unlawful''intrusion and disruption of examination by outsiders, the students and teachers had sent representations to the Governor seeking his immediate intervention in view of the indifferent attitude of the university authorities.

They also demanded quashing of the inquiry committee set up by university Vice Chancellor Prof Manoj Soni and revoking of suspension against Prof Panikkar.

Meanwhile, Fine Arts faculty dean Prof Deepak Kannal, who had resigned from his post following a physical attack allegedly by ABVP supporters on Prof Panikkar at a painting exhibition in Ahmedabad on July 6, today joined his office on the request of the vice-chancellor.

Prof Kannal also welcomed the students' decision to call off their agitation.

UNI