HYDERABAD: A parallel officers association was formed in Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam amidst strict security on Tuesday.

It was dubbed as a pocket union by the rival association which lately led an agitation against the university management. Allegations and counter allegations followed the general body meeting’s proceedings in which office-bearers of association are elected through show of hands. The association led by Riasat Ali Kubar rejected the proceedings on the ground that due process for the election was not adopted.

The old association is leading a campaign for a probe into alleged corruption by the university administration under Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeebuddin Sahrai. It staged hunger strike unto death following a press conference on Sept 6. It was called off on Sept 8 after the VC agreed to form a committee led by Dr Aijaz Khunwaro, a university dean, to probe allegations levelled by the association leadership.

“This [election] is flawed as the due procedure was not followed. No nomination forms and no election schedule were issued,” Mr Kubar told Dawn while rejecting the election. It was an attempt by the administration to avoid probe promised with them, he said.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2016