Police picket on campus for college poll

MALDA: A police picket has been posted at Malda College on Monday to prevent any untoward incident during the students' union election.
Security personnel of a private agency were also deployed on the campus and they would remain there till the election ends on February 22.
Several incidents of campus violence have been reported from across the district in the recent past.On Saturday night, some SFI activists were allegedly attacked by Trinamool Congress supporters at Pakuahat College. The attackers were allegedly led by former KLO activist Malkhan Singh, who has recently joined TMC.
On Friday night, there was a clash between two factions of TMCP at English Bazaar.
TMCP president Safikul Islam and working president Ujjwal Sk were injured in the clash.
This time, the election at Malda College is in focus. For the past few years, SFI has been in control of the union. This year, however, it will be challenged by TMCP-CP.
Fearing clashes, the college has asked for posting of policemen and private security personnel on the campus. Only students with ID cards are being allowed on campus.
are hence being allowed to enter the college only if they have identity cards. Principal Aniruddha Sengupta said, "In the wake of the recent tension regarding the students' union elections, this decision was taken to restrict the outsiders."
The students' organizations have also welcomed the decision. Animesh Sinha, district SFI secretary, said, "If college authorities take such a decision for internal security, we have nothing to object."
Chhatra Parishad leader Prosenjit Das said, "It is a good step on part of the college. But it must be ensured that police do not take any partisan role." "The education department has taken such a decision to ensure peaceful election. It would be beneficial for the students," said TMC youth leader Amlan Bhaduri.