Nankhari (Kameshwar Sharma): The Degree College Merger Protest intensified in Nankhari on Sunday. BJP Mandal Nankhari organized a large demonstration against the Himachal Pradesh government’s merger decision. Hundreds of party workers, students, and local residents joined the protest. BJP leader and former Himcofed Chairman Kaul Singh Negi led the rally.
The protesters marched through the town and raised slogans against the state government. Subsequently, they submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Tehsildar, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the merger decision and restoration of the college.
BJP Calls Decision Anti-People
Addressing the gathering, Kaul Singh Negi described the merger as an anti-people decision. He stated that the protest rally served as a symbolic warning and cautioned that the movement would intensify if the government failed to restore the college.
Furthermore, he argued that the decision would negatively impact students from 18 panchayats who depend on the institution for higher education. According to him, the merger would place an additional financial burden on poor and middle-class families.
Concerns Raised Over Students’ Future
Negi criticized the government for citing low student enrollment as the reason behind the merger. However, he emphasized that remote areas such as Nankhari require stronger educational infrastructure rather than institutional closures.
Moreover, he questioned the efforts made by the government to increase student admissions before deciding to merge the college. He maintained that authorities should focus on improving facilities and enrollment instead of reducing educational opportunities.
Students May Face Long-Distance Travel
The BJP leader stressed that the issue extends beyond politics and directly concerns the future of students. He pointed out that shifting the college nearly 50 kilometers away would create significant challenges for students, especially those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.
In addition, he said that Nankhari Degree College represents the identity and aspirations of the region. Therefore, closing or merging the institution would harm both educational development and regional progress.
Government Faces Criticism Over Development Claims
During the protest, Negi accused the Congress government of shutting down institutions established during previous administrations. He also claimed that the state government has failed to deliver significant development projects in the area.
Furthermore, he alleged that no major development initiative has reached the ground level in the region over the past four years. As a result, local residents have become increasingly concerned about the future of public services and infrastructure.
Warning of Larger Public Movement
Negi recalled that a previous attempt to close the college had faced strong public opposition. At that time, local residents successfully fought to restore the institution through collective efforts.
Consequently, he warned that the current agitation would continue until the government reverses its decision. He also stated that the protest could evolve into a larger public movement if authorities fail to address the concerns of students and residents.
Large Number of Leaders and Workers Participate
Several BJP leaders and representatives joined the protest, including BJP Mandal President Jiya Lal, Zila Parishad members, Panchayat Samiti members, Mahila Morcha office-bearers, SC Morcha representatives, and numerous party workers.
Their participation highlighted growing opposition to the merger decision and reinforced demands for the immediate restoration of Nankhari Degree College Merger Protest.
Key Points of the news:
- BJP workers and residents organized a major Nankhari Degree College Merger Protest against the government’s decision.
- Protesters submitted a memorandum demanding restoration of the college.
- Kaul Singh Negi said the merger would affect students from 18 panchayats.
- BJP leaders argued that students would face difficulties if the college shifts 50 kilometers away.
- Protesters warned of a larger public movement if the government does not reverse the decision.
