Campus Times | Lucknow

The indefinite sit-in protest at the University of Lucknow entered its third consecutive day on Thursday, with students alleging that the university administration has yet to initiate any dialogue despite growing participation and support from across campuses.

The protest was launched by three expelled students — Prem Prakash Yadav, an MA Hindi first-year student; Shashi Prakash, an MA Public Administration first-year student; and Harshit Shukla, an LLB second-semester student. The trio was expelled following an incident at the Vice-Chancellor’s office on April 28 after earlier being placed under suspension.

Alongside the demand for revocation of the expulsion orders, protesters have raised concerns over a recent fee hike, alleged irregularities in the university’s fee structure, and what they describe as punitive action against students raising academic and administrative issues.

On Thursday, students from Jai Narain PG College (KKC) joined the agitation, extending support to the ongoing movement. KKC students alleged that a large number of LLB students were adversely affected by irregularities in examination results. They claimed that when they attempted to raise the matter before university authorities, some students were detained by police. They further alleged that the Vice-Chancellor declined to meet them and that female students from KKC were subjected to inappropriate treatment by members of the proctorial board before being asked to leave the campus.

Students from DAV College, City Academy and National PG College also joined the protest, reflecting growing support for the agitation beyond the university campus.

Former student union office-bearer and former Congress MLC Deepak Singh visited the protest site and expressed solidarity with the students. He criticised the university’s action against the student leaders and urged the administration to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

Despite the protest continuing for more than 48 hours, students claimed that no senior university official had reached out to them or visited the dharna site. Protesters have vowed to continue the sit-in until their demands are addressed, insisting that the movement is not limited to the expelled students but has become a broader campaign against fee hikes and alleged mistreatment of students.