The annual convocation of Sri Meenakshi Government College for Women here, scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
College authorities took the decision in view of the indefinite closure of all arts and science colleges in the State over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.
As the protests gathered momentum in various districts, the Directorate of Collegiate Education had given oral instructions to colleges to suspend classes until further orders so as to prevent untoward incidents.
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The internal examinations for various courses have also been postponed.
Around 1,150 candidates were to receive their degrees at the Meenakshi college convocation. Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University K. Muthuchelian was invited as the chief guest. Principal P. Annammal said that the decision to cancel the event was taken after a communication was received from the office of Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education on Friday evening.
“We have closed the hostels also. Some girls who had to travel far vacated the hostel on Saturday morning. Their parents were informed about the indefinite closure,” she said.
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Unaware of the government’s decision to close colleges, some candidates turned up in the morning to attend the convocation.
Meanwhile, students of Government Law College continued with their hunger strike demanding the safety of Tamils living in Sri Lanka. While three students were shifted to Government Rajaji Hospital owing to deteriorating health, another three students are still on fast. Policemen have been posted near the college where students are on a hunger strike for the past four days.