Demand for dorms
We sympathise with the demand for dormitories by Jagannath University students who are suffering from severe residential problems. And more so because of the on-going militancy issue following the Gulshan attack that is making it particularly difficult for students to rent houses and make arrangements for their accommodation. Although we do not believe it to be rational to turn the land of the central jail into residential halls to solve the crisis as the students are demanding, there are alternatives.
Most of the university's original dormitories have, over the years, been occupied by influential quarters, leading to the creation of such problems. So far the university only managed to regain control of 3 of the 11 occupied dormitories, one of which, despite being in rickety condition, now houses 25-30 students. And because there is a heavy demand for residential accommodation, it is no way adequate. In that regard, the university authorities had requested the Land Ministry to get back the halls in 2010. The ministry, however, is yet to take any action.
Given the lack of action by the authorities, it is understandable that the students have taken to protest. It is important, however, for them to protest for a just cause in a just manner and not block roads to create problems for citizens and not turn to violence.
The authorities should also try to understand the sufferings that the students are going through and immediately seek to ease them, either by returning the occupied dormitories to the university, or making alternative arrangements.
Comments