Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 3:

Amidst fears of further clashes, the administration of the Institute of Engineering (IOE) issued a notice today that the college would reopen from Tuesday while hostellers would only be taken back at the hostel on Friday after making good the damages.

Examinations postponed due to the clash will be resumed from January 12, 2005, according to the notice. The administration has formed a nine-member probe committee under the convenorship of Prof Jagan Nath Shrestha.

“We are trying to open the college from tomorrow to prepare for the examinations, and the probe committee also needs space to work,” said Ram Krishna Poudel, dean of the IOE.

Dozens of students of Nepal Students Union (NSU) organised a sit- in protest programme, listing four demands, including reopening of the college after their 24-hour ultimatum served yesterday expired at 2 pm. “According to the agreement, the policemen guarding the college buildings have left today,” a NSU member said.

Free Students Union (FSU) president Nirmal Poudel demanded stern action against students involved in vandalism and fighting. “We demand strong action against them as it is essential to discourage other students from engaging in such undesirable,” he said, adding that such incidents have been a frequent occurrence in the college premises.

“Twelve days before last Wednesday’s clash, the FSU joint secretary Roshan Raj Giri who is close to Nepal Students Union had manhandled the FSU vice president Rewati Prasad Pyakurel of the All Nepal National Free Students Union,” Poudel alleged.

Other sources said ANNFSU was flexing its muscles and calling for not reopening the college until the report of the probe committee is published.