HYDERABAD, Aug 17: A group of people upset over the controversy simmering since February last over vice-chancellor of the Sindh University have formed a committee to find a solution to the problem.

The 17-member committee headed by a noted intellectual Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo includes Abrar Kazi, Jami Chandio, Dr Dodo Maheri, Dr Rajab Memon, Zulfikar Halepoto, Zafar Rajput, Azhar Shah, Dr Arfana Mallah, Amar Sindhu and Abdul Wahid Sangrasi and a few others.

Speaking at a seminar, most of the members asked the Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Mughal to quit in the interest of students.

Educational process at the campus was continuously being disturbed because of this long-simmering issue.

Chief of Awami Jamhoori Party Abrar Kazi advised the VC not to make the office controversial and quit gracefully.

He equally blamed the teachers for falling educational standards and promised to support them if they stop boycotting the classes.

An activist of the civil society Jami Chandio was surprised as to who was supporting the VC in keeping his office even after a struggle of nine months by the teachers.

Secretary General of the Sindh United Party Dr Dodo Mahri said the government was responsible for lingering the crisis by sitting back and doing nothing to find a solution to this long-drawn situation.

Leaders of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (A) Dr Nawaz Zaunr said that instead a movement should be started for the improvement of educational standards in the varsity and which shouldn’t be person-specific.

Trying to maintain a neutral position, he said that he also doesn’t support the VC but genuine issues should be resolved on priority.

He proposed withdrawing law enforcing agencies from the campus.

Zulfiqar Halepoto of the Sindh Democratic Forum supporting SUTA advised it to keep its movement free of politics.

Bakshal Thull of Labour Party said rulers were exploiting the VC by backing him. He wondered as to why the government was holding consultations with a few individuals and not having broad-based discussion on the issue.

Muzaffar Kalhoro of Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party blamed the Sindh University administration of buying loyalties of teachers and staff.

However, president and general secretary of SUTA Azhar Shah and Arfana Mallah rejected allegations levelled against their organisation.

Dr Mallah said that teachers know the future of students was at stake because of the closure of varsity for a long time. She said that they would talk to faculty members after holidays to resume academic activities.

‘Fatah Daudpota, an artist blamed a few black sheep inside SUTA who were drawing benefits.

This had derailed the whole agitation process. He produced documentary evidence to prove his claim.

University Registrar Nawaz Narejo was of the opinion that the VC enjoyed support of students, teachers and employees. Had nobody supported him, he wouldn’t have been here now, he said.