DTU turns war zone

Delhi Technological University (DTU) looked more like a fortress on Sunday. With just a day to go for the mid-semester examination, the university campus has been provided with unprecedented security cover in shape of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

Delhi Technological University (DTU) looked more like a fortress on Sunday.

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With just a day to go for the mid-semester examination, the university campus has been provided with unprecedented security cover in shape of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

The RAF is an anti-riot force trained to respond to communal riots and public disorder.

Its presence at the varsity — prompted by students’ threat to boycott examination on Monday — has only added to the tension on campus.

“Not just the main entrance, but the entire academic block, where examination will be held tomorrow, is barricaded. There are five entry points to the academic block, but only one is open now. Moving in and out has become difficult,” said a second year student of Mechanical Engineering.

Vice Chancellor P.B. Sharma, who issued repeated appeals to students to sit for the test on Monday, said the extra security was necessary for smooth conduct of the examination.

“It is our duty to protect those who are not protesting and want to appear for the examination,” said Sharma.

The unrest at DTU is now a little over a week old. It started on March 4 when as many as 800 students protested against the conversion of their institution from a college affiliated with Delhi University (then known as Delhi College of Engineering) to a state university.