My dear fellow parents,
As we all know that our children in PCC had fought for their rights and agitated against the unnecessary hike in mess fees (i.e., by Rs 200) (according to an article in Nagaland Post on 27th Feb ’07).
According to what I have heard, our dear children took up agitation in motive of non-violence but due to some unavoidable circumstances they were compelled to take up violence and law in their own hands. The authority, for security reasons, called up the security but the students were angered by the arrival of the police jeep inside the campus, which in turn was damaged by the students. The authority along with the faculty tried to reason with the students but in the heat of the moment the students used some abusive words.
The students dispersed to their respective hostels after the intervention by the EAC of Chumukedima. Later in the evening IRB personnel surrounded the hostel of the 2nd year students in old campus and arrested 3 of the students on charges of assault on the police; while trying to resist the arrest, the hostel girls were lathi-charged. And also one thing that confused me is that some of the senior girls were rejoicing at the arrest of the 3 innocent students. After the arrest, the hostellers demanded from the authority for the safe release of the 3 arrested students. Afterwards, a bond was signed between the students and the police, and a fine of Rs 20,000/- was paid for the damage of the vehicle. It was also stated that for any violence in the near future they would be held responsible.
But the next day, that is, 27th Feb 2007, the faculty and staff decided to go for an indefinite pen-down strike till the students apologized personally and those involved in the agitation were strictly dealt with. The authority along with the board of trustees took up this problem and called for a reconciliation meeting between the faculty and students, in which meeting the students apologized verbally and in written. After reconciliation and apologies made by our children in the presence of the board of trustees the chapter of agitation was closed amicably.
But what was the result? A new chapter begins by expelling the 3 said children (arrested students). They were expelled on grounds of violence, misbehaviour, charging with bricks and sticks. But these grounds seem to be invalid. If these grounds are to be valid, then I think all agitators must be expelled. Mind you, parents, that these 3 students do not belong to me in any way.
I want to ask the authority whether this college is a true Christian college and that in Christian context “TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE” but where is it? The records of these 3 students may not be to the level of college/hostel norms and rules but why were they expelled on grounds mentioned above?
But the problem does not end here; the college has also hiked the admission fees to 70% for the pervious year’s admission. This college which we know as a Christian college is turning out to be somewhat of a business college. Remember, our children are not taking professional courses; rather a mere degree.
So, my fellow parents, this was what I heard and what I was told. And so let us encourage our children and join hands with them rather than pull then back when they are fighting for their rights.
I therefore suggest other parents to have a positive mental attitude like one of or parents, Mrs Lipok Ao (5th March, Eastern Mirror).
I do suggest DNSU, ANCSU and NSF to look into this matter as early as possible to bring back normalcy to Patkai Christian College.
Your supporting views and opinions over my letter is greatly welcomed.
Chubala Jamir
(A Concerned Parent), 4th Mile
