KATHMANDU: A meeting of 10 student unions today demanded that the government introduce stringent laws to contain the increasing cases of murder, abduction and other criminal activities.

The meeting held at the office of All Nepal National Independent Students' Union - Revolutionary has condemned the murder of Khyati Shrestha.

"The existing laws are insufficient. Stricter provisions should be made to take action against such criminals," Ratna Dhakal, central committee member, ANNISU-R, said.

The unions also demanded stern action against the perpetrators and relief for the kin of the victim. Opposing the decision of Tribhuvan University to grant autonomy to 40 campuses, Dhakal dismissed it as a bid to privatise the colleges.

The unions have also demanded that actions be taken against the criminal groups active in the Tarai. The unions also criticised the TU decision of phasing out the Proficiency Certificate Level.

"We will sit again in a couple of days to chalk out further protest plans," said Ram Prasad Adhikari, chief, Publicity Department, Nepal Students' Union.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of CPN-UML and CPN-ML-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students' Union, ANNFSU (Sixth), ANNFSU (Unified), Nepal Students' Forum, Madhesi Students' Front, Nepal National Students' Federation, Nepal Revolutionary Students' Association, besides ANNISU-R and NSU.