OUAT students stage protest over ‘rowdyism’ of street vendors, raise safety concerns

Fed up with ‘rowdyism’ of street vendors outside the college gate, scores of students of the prestigious Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar resorted to protest. Irate students demanded an immediate ban of the street vendors from the college boundary.

The sit-in protest is a culmination of various grievances, ranging from campus safety to the rising cases of illegal activities due to the presence of street vendors.

The protesters, led by student union leaders, alleged the street vendors were engaged in pickpocketing and drug business. The students accused the street vendors of being involved in nuisance and illicit activities on the campus boundary.

The protesters also called for stronger safety measures due to frequent instances of eve-teasing and sexual harassment of women students outside the university gates. Despite repeated complaints, students say that little progress has been made in addressing their demands.

The students alleged outsiders often made sexist comments and insensitive remarks.

With street vendors everywhere, the university boundary has become a safe haven for the anti-socials. Dozens of men often assemble outside the campus, resulting in awkward situations for girl students in the campus, it was learnt.

When asked to mend their ways, the street vendors, many of them being locals, allegedly threatened the students with dire consequences, the protesters alleged. Demanding an immediate ban, hundreds of students staged sit-in near the university main gate.

The agitation was called off after the university authorities intervened and assured to take necessary steps in this regard.

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