Sindh

Controversial comeback: SU teachers resume campaign as VC returns

The VC’s first decision after assuming charge was to announce summer vacations from June 30, instead of July 10.

Our Correspondent June 30, 2012

HYDERABAD:

The standoff between the teachers and administration at Sindh University (SU) restarted after a pause of about four months as Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir A Mughal resumed his charge on Friday.

The Sindh University Teachers Association (SUTA) and Sindh University Employees Workers Association (SUEWA) have announced a protest movement and suspension of academic activities until the VC is fired as per their original demands.

The protests for Mughal’s permanent removal started after the murder of Prof. Bashir Channar at SU campus on January 2, after which the VC was sent on a forced leave on February 21. The teachers and staff accused him of corruption, highhandedness and Channar’s murder.

By making a dauntless comeback, however, Mughal ruffled a few feathers and led to the registrar’s resignation. He invited the protesting teachers and employees to work with him for the institution’s uplift. “Problems of the employees will be resolved within 10 days,” he said while chairing a meeting at the Senate Hall. He claimed that he succeeded to address 31 issues out of 35 pointed out by the staff. “The allotment of plots in the third phase will start soon.”

The VC’s first decision after assuming charge was to announce summer vacations from June 30 which were earlier scheduled to begin from July 10. The SUTA, which in reaction resumed its movement for ouster of Mughal on Friday, considers the announcement as a manoeuver to buy time as the university will remain shut till August 27.

“His comeback has restarted the agitation at SU which this time will not stop without his termination,” said SUTA President Azhar Ali Shah. “Today is another black day for the university.” The imbroglio at the SU set off after the murder of Prof Channar. However, his family continues to protest against the attitude of the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2012.