The impasse at the Visva Bharati University finally came to an end today with the Karmi Sabha and the Teacher’s Association calling off the strike after 12 days.

Considering the appeal made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is also the Chancellor of the university, the striking employees called off the agitation, but said their protests against the Vice Chancellor will continue.

“Since the Prime Minister has considered our appeal for an inquiry, we are withdrawing the strike. In all these 12 days, Vice-Chancellor Rajat Kanta Ray never sat with us,” Debobrata Sarkar, president of the Karmi Sabha said. The striking employees have given one month’s time to the university authorities for meeting their demands, failing which they would go on strike again.

On Tuesday evening, a statement was issued from the Prime Minister’s Office, with an appeal to all those involved in the protests to desist and withdraw 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 concerned entities,” the statement read.

The administration, meanwhile, said the Prime Minister’s statement has also brought the protestors in the ambit of the inquiry — something which the vice-chancellor was insisting on.

While academic activities will start at the university from Thursday, insiders are sceptical about how long the truce will last.

The head of the Teachers Association, Kishore Bhattacharjee said their demand is that the vice-chancellor should be available at the university during all festivals and also democratically respect their views. The employees also said they will try to amend the statute of the university so that the powers of the vice-chancellor are reduced.

... contd.