Tuesday, May 30, 2006

 

Schoolboys from Malad join anti-quota stir

Two Std X students of a Malad(Mumbai) school have joined the 24-hour hunger strike by anti-quota protestors that began at KEM Hospital yesterday.

Naman Modi and Hardik Rushi of St Joseph’s High School, took part in the hunger strike as they felt quotas would affect them in the long run.

The two, who aspire to become aeronautical engineers, are unhappy with the inadequate seats available in the field. In the coming weeks, the boys plan to mobilise more support from other schools.

Naman, a resident of Kandivli, attended a rally against reservation on Sunday and participated in the hunger strike that began at 4.30 pm yesterday.

“My parents did not object as it was a 24-hour strike. But there was another friend with me who backed out after his parents opposed his involvement,” said Naman.

He added, “We heard of the hunger strike through press reports and hope our participation encourages other school students to join in.”

Said Hardik, “Toppers can easily get into premier institutes. But what will happen to average students like us in case the Centre goes ahead with OBC quotas?”

However, not all students are being allowed to participate in the hunger strike. Only 10 per cent of the 200 protestors at KEM have been permitted to do so on day one. In case a hunger strike goes on for more than a day, a second lot will take over.

Meanwhile, medical students from Latur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Dhule and Pune also joined the hunger strike at KEM.

Said a student from Aurangabad, “If we get a good response, then we will begin our own agitation. But if our numbers are not adequate, we will come back in groups to join the strike in Mumbai.”

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