June 09, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 04, 1429

FAISALABAD, June 8: National Textile University (NTU) students, softening their stance to call off strike, say they will go back to their classes if “assured” that their demands are forwarded to the Textile Ministry, the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dawn has learnt.

Sources say students sent their suggestions to NTU heads of departments who would approach the ministry, PEC and the HEC with these demands to resolve the issue, sources said.

NTU classes have been suspended since April 2 as students are protesting against the administration for not getting the university accredited with the PEC. They also demand the resignation of NTU Vice-Chancellor Masood Biabani and removal of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association from NTU affairs.

They also demand the cases registered against students during the protest campaign are withdrawn and the board of governors make a committee to undertake the administrative responsibilities instead of giving all authorities to the VC. Students say faculty recruitments should be made by the HEC and once they call off strike, their classes should resume the summer semester. They also want their representation in the disciplinary committee.

Hassan Aman Barcha, a representative of the Students Action Committee, said students had forwarded their suggestions to a few faculty members “who want to put the institution affairs on track”.

VC Biabani said that he had yet to receive the demands, assuring he would consider those once they were sent to him.