SFI's statewide strike over Jadavpur row disrupts campuses, sparks clashes

In protest against the recent incident at Jadavpur University, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) has called for a student strike across colleges and universities in the state on Monday. Various leftist student organizations have also joined the movement. However, due to ongoing examinations and interviews, SFI is exercising caution at Jadavpur University.

Since Monday morning, the strike has impacted several higher education institutions, including the University of Calcutta and Presidency University. At the University of Calcutta campus, AIDSO initiated picketing, while leftist student organizations held demonstrations at Presidency University. Reports have also emerged of picketing at Yogmaya Devi College. However, the protest has not significantly affected Jadavpur University so far. SFI leaders have stated that they will commence their program as the day progresses.

At Jadavpur University, first-semester engineering department exams are being conducted on Monday, along with placement interviews for fourth-year students. Due to this, SFI does not want to disrupt students' education or job placement processes. Some first-semester students are planning to visit the exam center to register their protest, while others have stated they will enter the exam hall but walk out without taking the test.

SFI has clarified that their protest will be confined to the university campus to ensure that the Higher Secondary examinations remain unaffected. The Higher Secondary exams also began on Monday. Considering this, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma had issued a warning on Sunday, stating that any disruption to examinees would result in action.

Tensions escalated during the strike on Monday morning at Midnapore College in West Midnapore district. Protesters allegedly prevented morning-shift students from entering the college, leading to arguments and clashes between the two groups. Reports indicate that some students sustained injuries. To control the situation, police from Midnapore Kotwali station took charge. West Midnapore Additional Superintendent of Police, Pinaki Dutta, arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Police also took some individuals into custody from the site.