JnU shut down as students lock main gate, stage hunger strike

Jagannath University (JnU) has been shut down as students locked the main gate and began a hunger strike, demanding urgent action on three key issues.

The protestors are calling for the transfer of the second campus construction project to the army, provision of temporary housing, and housing allowances for a majority of students.

The demonstration escalated on Monday morning when students locked the university's main gate, bringing campus activities to a halt.

Additionally, the Shaheed Sajid Building and Rafiq Building were also locked down as part of the protest.

The locked main gate has prevented any vehicles from entering the campus. However, a side gate has been kept open for pedestrian access to minimize disruption for non-protesting students.

The hunger strike began on Sunday at 8:30am, with students vowing to continue until their demands are met. By nightfall, at least 15 students fell ill and were treated with saline at the National Medical College Hospital.

In a show of solidarity, nearly 50 female students left their dormitories late at night and joined the protest, sitting in front of the JnU Shaheed Minar.

The protesting students have outlined three primary demands to address their concerns. They are calling for the immediate transfer of the second campus construction project to the army to ensure timely completion.

Additionally, they are demanding the provision of temporary housing facilities to accommodate students facing accommodation challenges.

Until such arrangements are made, the students insist that at least 70% of them should receive housing allowances to alleviate their financial burdens.