COIMBATORE: Members of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) held a protest near the office of the Joint Director of Collegiate Education at Race Course here on Wednesday, condemning a state govt circular that sought to prevent college students and youth from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).The protest came amid a controversy over the directive issued by the Directorate of Collegiate Education. A communication from the directorate had called for coordinated action to prevent students of govt arts and science colleges and other youths from taking part in protests and agitations associated with Left-wing organisations and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The directive triggered criticism from student organisations, which alleged that it selectively targeted certain political groups and infringed upon students’ democratic rights.SFI and DYFI members in the city raised slogans against the govt and demanded that students be allowed to participate in peaceful democratic protests. They condemned what they termed attempts to restrict political expression among students.The issue is linked to protests over the NEET and alleged irregularities, with SFI and DYFI having held demonstrations across Tamil Nadu in solidarity with students protesting in Delhi.However, on Wednesday, the Directorate of Collegiate Education withdrew the controversial circular following protests and criticism. The reversal came after student organisations questioned why the directive specifically named the CJP and Left parties.The protesters said the withdrawal was a victory for students’ right to peaceful expression and demanded that no similar restrictions be imposed in future.
