IIT-M gate closed, unions claim students, shops to be hit, demand its reopening

“The Krishna gate has been closed in the middle of the night before Christmas holidays without any intimation to the students or their elected representatives,” Ambedkhar Periyar Study Circle, a recognised student association by the institution, said.

Stating that the gate was used widely to commute to Velachery, the student’s unit claimed “this gate was used by many students staying outside, workers, school students inside IIT to enter the institute”.

“The Gandhi road outside Krishna gate has many tea shops, eateries and xerox shops. Now, students using these essential utilities will be severely affected. The livelihood of the shopkeepers will also be affected,” it said, adding, that some of the students had later gathered near the gate and the wall construction has been put on hold.

Representatives of ChintaBAR, another students group, also claimed that the administration completely disregarded the concerns and security of women scholars who work till late at night and stay near the gate. “The reasons cited on the notice stuck on the gate, the timing and suddenness raises serious doubts as to the actual purpose of this closure,” it added.

The student union also demanded that the administration should immediately withdraw its decision to close the gate and reopen it.

Meanwhile, the IIT management claimed the gate was closed due to security reasons.