The Police used considerable force to disperse students and prevent the situation “from getting out of hand” — according to official sources.

The D. J. Science College, where the hunger-strike was taking place and which was the centre of the students’ activities, was cleared by the police and all access to it prevented.

A bus and a concrete mixer were burnt. Several seriously injured persons were taken to hospitals.

Government Press Note

It is extremely regrettable that in spite of a very considerate and sympathetic attitude of the Administration the students took the law into their own hands and disturbed the peace of the area, said a Press note issued in Karachi last night. The conditions created by their violence made it absolutely essential to take this action against them.

The Administration sincerely hopes that the students will realise their responsibility and will not resort to any act of violence in this matter.

It is also sincerely hoped that the parents and the citizens would extend their cooperation in maintaining peace and order, said the Press note.

Teargassing, lathi charge

As the students had flocked in front of S. M. Law College after the procession had terminated they were requested to disperse by the Deputy Commissioner and the DIG, but they were booed by some students.

Soon after, the senior Police officials and the Deputy Commissioner left the scene. A truck loaded with policemen then arrived and wanted to pass along. As the students were blocking the road the policemen then got down from the truck and tried to clear the road, using their canes and lathis. The students then started hurling stones at the policemen. — Staff Correspondent