Why did Tamil Nadu withdraw its order stopping students from joining CJP protests?

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has withdrawn an order that sought to prevent students from participating in protests organised by the CJP and left-wing student organisations.

The earlier directive was issued through a letter dated August 17 from Joint Director of Collegiate Education Dr P Cynthia Selvi. It called for coordinated action across departments to prevent students and young people from taking part in such protests.

The letter referred to another government communication dated August 14 and described the matter as “very urgent”.

The withdrawal of the order comes amid ongoing student protests across Tamil Nadu over the death of 21-year-old nursing student Ansiji in Kanyakumari district.

Ansiji, who was from Kerala, allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the third floor of Bethlahem Nursing College in Karungal on August 14.

Her family and friends have alleged that she faced harassment from the college administration over her use of a smartphone. They have also raised concerns about the police investigation and alleged that the college authorities were attempting to cover up aspects of the case.

Protests demanding action in connection with Ansiji’s death have continued across the state.