Jamia Milia students call off hunger strike

Agitating students of Jamia Milia Islamia called off their six-day old hunger strike today after being persuaded by the teachers association, which promised to make sure their case is heard sympathetically.    Representatives of Jamia's teachers association met the agitating students today and assured them of their help in resolving the issue.    A group of 17 students from the mass communication department who were debarred from writing exams on grounds of short attendance had claimed that they were being denied the 15% relaxation in attendance on medical grounds that is provided for in the University.    Their department, however, had said the students had failed to regularly attend classes despite being repeatedly warned throughout the year and that the medical certificates submitted by them were not authentic.    "As an association we look into the matter to ensure their best interest," said Prof Rizwan Qaiser, Secretary of Jamia teachers association after meeting the students.    He said the students may not be able to give their exams this year but whatever best can be done in terms of them appearing in their exams next year and reduce their financial burdens, the association will help in that.