AMERICAN COLLEGE ISSUE: STALEMATE CONTINUES

The Hindu, 21 April '0௮

MADURAI: The peace committee meeting convened by the district administration to resolve the problems of The American College produced no results here on Sunday.
The college administration was in turmoil following apprehensions about the Church of South India Madurai-Ramnad Diocese attempting to take over the institution.

Under instructions from Collector S.S. Jawahar, District Revenue Officer A. Ramachandran headed the meeting attended by five members of both the factions. Representatives of both the groups were let to discuss the pending issues and to come out with a consensus.

"They came out with a statement to maintain status quo as on April 8 and promised not to involve students in the issue and continue with the examinations. The group headed by Principal and Secretary T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jaikumar agreed to it and signed, whereas the other group headed by George Selvakumar sought more time to discuss the issue and did not sign," said Mr. Ramachandran.

The head of the institution had been asked to hold the examinations and any action detrimental to the welfare of the students would be viewed seriously, he said. "We have great respect for the Government and will fully cooperate with the law enforcing agencies. We will cooperate with the Government in maintaining peace in the college keeping in mind the interest of the students. Everything is well under control and examinations will go on as usual," said Dr. Chinnaraj. The meeting was also attended by Revenue Divisional Officer S. Jeyaraj, Tallakulam Assistant Commissioner of Police (Law and order), Tahsildar (Madurai South), Tallakulam Inspector of Police (Law and order) and other revenue officials.

The meeting follows a high drama that was witnessed on the college premises on Saturday Tension prevailed inside the campus. Police personnel stepped in considering the welfare of the students and the district administration swung into action to resolve this issue.