Jammu, July 25: Jammu-based social and student organizations on Monday began relay-hunger strike, though separately, in support of their demand of establishment of Central University of Jammu (CUJ) without further delay by appointing a “competent” Vice-Chancellor (VC).
 Jammu Province People’s Forum (JPPF)—an amalgam of various political, social, trade and lawyers outfits—started 15 days long phase of relay hunger strike by its leaders and activists.
 On the first day of hunger strike, prominent leaders of the forum, including JPPF president Pavitar Singh, president Amar Khashatarya Rajput Sabha Narayan Singh Janwal,, president All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association Inderjeet Khajuria, former President All India  Brahman Federation Davinder Sharma and president Arbans Sabha Ramesh Arora sat on day-long fast.
 Despite heavy rains since morning, a large number of activists of the forum and other supporters of the movement participated in the dharna, to give moral support to the fasting leaders.
 The constituent organizations of JPPF, whose activists sat on dharna included Shri Ram Sena, Kranti Dal, Rashtrawadi Morcha, Kashyap Rajput Sabha, Dogra Liberation Front, Duggar Desh Party, Jammu State Morcha and Janta Ki Awaaz.
 Speaking on the occasion, Pavitar Singh warned that if immediate steps were not taken to appoint a “competent” V-C, preferably a local academician, there is every possibility of the situation taking an ugly turn. “We will take the agitation at tehsil and block level if the government failed to appoint a V-C in next 15 days,” he said.
 Inderjeet Khajuria alleged that some “anti-Jammu” elements in the State and Centre were  hell bent upon scuttling the Central University Jammu coming into being, taking one subterfuge or the other.
 Similarly, the National Panthers Students’ Union (NPSU) activists also went on indefinite relay hunger-strike near ‘Shaheedi Sathal’ at Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, demanding early setting up of CUJ. The NPSU strike entered 26th consecutive day on Monday.
 Four activists, including NPSU state incharge Pushvinder Singh Jamwal, Sahil Choudhary, Abhey Sharma and Davinder Singh sat on hunger strike.
 Speaking on the occasion, Manhas said that the struggle started for the opening of CUJ would not come to an end until and unless the required steps for the opening of CUJ were taken by the government and VC is appointed for the university.
 He also expressed gratitude towards the students’ who have shown their solidarity to the cause led by NPSU.
 The National Panthers Party (NPP) chairman Bhim Singh also announced to join day-long fast being observed by the members of the working committee and senior office bearers of his party in support of the agitating students, seeking early appointment of VC and to make the varsity functional.
 Meanwhile, students of degree colleges in Jammu province boycotted their classes in support of their demand of making JCU functional. “Students of Government Degree Colleges Samba, Ramnagar and Paloura, GGM Science College, SMPR College of Commerce and MAM Post Graduate College boycotted their classes and staged demonstrations against the UPA government for delay in making JCU functional,” sources said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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