THIS is apropos of a news item (Nov 30). Girl students of a government polytechnique institute situated on Minara Road, Sukkur, are up against a problem and may resort to dropping out without completing their courses. A wagon stop and an illegal mini-market of secondhand winter clothing have emerged in front of their institute, making it nearly impossible for girl students to walk on the footpath towards the institute.

The girls are reportedly denied the right to enter their institute as people of all kinds of backgrounds hurl abusive remarks on them every now and then, causing mental torture and anguish to the girls. Parents of these 250 girls are worried about their safety. The parents have repeatedly approached the principal but she maintains that despite efforts and strong protests the authorities concerned have turned a deaf ear.

The authorities must take this matter seriously and remove these encroachments as soon as possible.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin