After an impasse that lasted almost two weeks, employees of Visva Bharati University finally called off their strike last Thursday, with students flocking to their art, dance and music classes from 6 am. But despite the apparent return to normalcy, tensions are still simmering, with the agitators setting a deadline of one month for the university administration to meet their demands, particularly a CBI inquiry into the alleged corruption of Vice-Chancellor Rajat Kanta Ray.  

“Since the Prime Minister (who is also Chancellor of the university), has considered our appeal for an inquiry, we are withdrawing from the strike. We are happy that he has considered our demands. However, within one month, we want the Vice-Chancellor to go on leave,” said Debobrata Sarkar, president of the university’s Karmi Sabha.

Late on Tuesday evening last week, a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office had appealed to all involved in the agitation to put an end to the strike. “I will ensure that an impartial inquiry is conducted into the circumstances leading to the agitation and the allegations that have been levelled against the university authorities and other entities concerned,” the statement said.

However, many students and academicians have their doubts about how long this peace will last and fear that another disruption is imminent. Piyali Mondal, a second year master’s student in Odissi dance, says the nearly 5,000 students of the university were worst hit by the suspension of classes. “We have not touched our syllabus for the December semester. We don’t know how we will complete it. Besides, the crisis is far from being resolved,” said Piyali.

... contd.