Campus Times | Lucknow

The student led agitation against the recent fee hike at Lucknow University intensified on Wednesday after an expelled student protester allegedly collapsed during an ongoing sit-in demonstration that has now entered its 23rd consecutive day.

According to students participating in the protest, Prem Prakash, who was sitting on dharna with fellow demonstrators, suddenly lost consciousness, triggering panic at the protest site. Students present there rushed to assist him and attempted to revive him by offering water, but his condition reportedly continued to worsen.

He was subsequently taken to Balrampur Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.

Prem Prakash is among the students who were earlier expelled by the university administration for participating in protests against the fee hike. The incident has further heightened tensions between the protesting students and university authorities.

Student leaders alleged that despite Lucknow University having two ambulances on campus, no ambulance was made available when Prem Prakash condition deteriorated. They claimed that protesters had to arrange transportation on their own to ensure he received timely medical attention.

What began as a movement against the fee hike has gradually evolved into a broader campaign highlighting concerns over student expulsions, alleged administrative irregularities, inadequate campus facilities, and the long pending demand for the restoration of student union elections.

The protest has continued to draw support from various student organisations, with participants maintaining that their demands extend beyond financial issues and reflect broader concerns related to student welfare, representation, and campus governance.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, protesting students organised a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Aliganj fire tragedy, which reportedly claimed 15 lives. The demonstrators observed a moment of silence and expressed solidarity with the affected families.

With no breakthrough in talks between the students and the university administration, the agitation shows little sign of slowing down, as protesters have vowed to continue their campaign until their demands are addressed.