NE students get back to classes
Days after north-eastern students of Delhi University (DU) were reported to have skipped classes, they have gradually begun making their way back to classes, shunning fear following rumours that were doing the rounds in the last few days, Shaswati Das reports.
Days after north-eastern students of Delhi University (DU) were reported to have skipped classes, they have gradually begun making their way back to classes, shunning fear following rumours that were doing the rounds in the last few days.
"Students are apprehensive but not scared. We have had very good attendance from among the northeast students and help and counselling is always available to any student who needs it. In fact, attendance among them is better than usual now," said Gitesh Nirban, media coordinator, Kamla Nehru College.
Students also said that returning to their routine would abate the hype that had been created over the past few weeks.
"It's best not to make much of what has happened. Yes, we were scared and apprehensive of staying on in the city for some time. But there is no point skipping class and fuelling the rumours further," said Tsering Bhutia, a second year sociology (hons) student.
DU officials had pulled out all stops to ensure that there is no security lapse at any time for the students.
A constant vigil was maintained at the Rajiv Gandhi Hostel (for northeast students) to avoid any untoward incident.Security in other college hostels, such as Ramjas, had also been stepped up.
"We have stepped up security all through the campus to ensure that no untoward incident occurs. We have been talking to the girls continuously to ensure that they have no problem at all," said Usha Rao, proctor, DU.
Several colleges such as Maitreyi, Hindu, Jesus and Mary and Hansraj have a sizeable number of northeast students.
The colleges have opened up a dialogue process with these students, offering counsel and advice and ensuring that the rumours are kept at bay.