Organise sessions and counsel the protestors: Why Pondicherry University Dean's reaction to ongoing protest is bizarre

For the past 16 days, the students of Pondicherry University have been fighting against a hike in their tuition fees and newly introduced transport fees. While the students allege that there has been no attempt of mediation from the university administration, the Students' Welfare Dean has reacted with a notice that can only be considered strange: He has now asked all the Deans to organise sessions and counsel the protesting students.

He goes on to say in the circular, "The date, time and venue may be fixed according to your convenience. However, you are requested to conduct counselling on or before February 21," reads a letter that is believed to have been signed by Professor Shahin Sultana. Responding to this, the students reportedly burned copies of the letter in front of the university's administrative block on Thursday.

Students confirmed that the circular was, indeed, legitimate, "The circular was sent out yesterday asking the deans to counsel the protesting students specifically," says Parichay Yadav, PU  Students' Council President. "We protested in front of the admin building against this. Until now, they haven't made any arrangements to counsel us. However, we do expect a revengeful response from them, against us burning the letter," he says.

He also says that all the students are against the counselling. "In case the faculty initiates this or form a committee to do the same, we will take up necessary action. We will also ask the students to not take part in it," he adds. Around 40 students are protesting in front of the university's admin block currently.