Haripur University: Employees’ strike continues for third day

Protesters marched around varsity before congregating outside VC’s office

HARIPUR: The token strike by administrative staff and some teachers from the University of Haripur (UoH) continued for a third consecutive day on Friday.

Over 70 regular employees of the varsity have been protesting for two hours every day since Wednesday. They are accusing the varsity’s vice chancellor (VC) of favouritism while hiring new staff, in violation of the University Act, and denying promotions to over 70 regular employees who have been waiting for upgradation for over a decade.

They also referred to some anonymous emails which allege that the VC and some of his subordinates had been involved in corrupt practices and demanded an inquiry into the allegations and all appointments that he has made during his tenure, including extensions granted to certain contractual staff.

On Friday, protesters again stopped carrying out their assigned duties and went around the different departments of UoH before congregating outside the VC’s office to chant slogans against him. They were also carrying placards with slogans against the VC.

The UoH administration called in the police to maintain order, but avoided authorising the use of force against protesters, who later dispersed peacefully with a pledge to continue their strike unless their demands were met.

The protesters and the VC twice held negotiations on Wednesday, but failed to make any breakthrough.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2016.