Thathri, Aug 22: The indefinite hunger strike demanding the commencement of physical construction of the Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri campus entered its third day on Saturday, with community support continuing to grow for the movement.
The four hunger strikers — Manoj Kumar, Raj Kumar, Nasir Alam and Fassil Dar — continued their fast, reiterating their demand for the immediate start of construction work on the long-pending college campus. The protesters maintained that the agitation would continue peacefully until visible progress is made on the ground.
During the day, President of Jamia Masjid Committee Thathri, Abdul Majid Butt, visited the protest site and met the hunger strikers. He expressed solidarity with the movement and said that the demand for a permanent college campus is a legitimate concern of students and the people of Thathri. He urged the authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure that construction work begins without further delay.
Several social activists, civil society members and local residents also visited the protest venue and extended their support to the ongoing agitation. They appreciated the peaceful nature of the movement and stressed the importance of providing adequate educational infrastructure to the youth of the region.
A number of college students also met the hunger strikers and voiced their concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of the campus. They said that students have been waiting for years for proper classrooms, laboratories, library facilities and a permanent academic environment.
The protestors welcomed the growing public support and stated that the movement represents the aspirations of students and future generations. They reiterated that their sole demand is the commencement of physical construction work for GDC Thathri, a project that has remained pending for years despite repeated public appeals.
The hunger strike continues under the banner of local associations, students and concerned citizens, with supporters expressing hope that the administration and the government will respond positively to the demand and initiate construction work at the earliest.
The Chenab Times News Desk