Student’s Accident Triggers Massive Protests at NIT Uttarakhand

After a 3rd-year student’s accident at NH58, NIT Uttarakhand’s students have been protesting for a ‘safer campus’.

NIT UK students demand for a safe campus

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj

Students of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Uttarakhand, have been protesting for more than 20 days after a third-year student of the college met with an accident on NH58.

After Neelam Meena was left critical injured in the accident, NIT students took to the streets alleging that the campus is ‘unsafe’ and ‘ill-equipped’.

“Her [Neelam’s] condition worsened because she didn’t get immediate medical assistance.”

Student, NIT

As the protest intensifies, more than 900 students of the college have boycotted lectures and left for home. Students blame the authorities saying they must shift the campus to a safer and a permanent location.

“We cannot expect anyone to drive slow on a National Highway. There are no security measures provided. Which makes it an accident prone area.”

Student, NIT

The college started in 2009 on a shared campus with another college. The land allocation, as one student mentions, has been pending for the last nine years.

Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat, in a recent event, said the campus will continue to operate from its current location.

The protesting students, however, stand their ground.