STUDENTS SUPPORT ORK RS' STRUGGLE IN PAKISTAN report by Abdul Nasser
The strike of the 90,000 jute mill workers in East Pakistan has continued for two months despite government repression (reported in The ‘Jeck). Now the three principal students! organisations in East Pakistan; the East Pakistan Students' Union, the East Pakistan Students' League and the Pakistan Students' Force, have jointly declared that if the authorities do not act immediately to compel the management to resume negotiations with the unions, they will launch a united struggle in support of the workers. The students have also called upon the leadership of all o»position parties to launch a united struggle to compel the authorities to mest the workers' denands
In Karachi school 2nd college students on strike have clashed with the police for several days. At least 50 students are reported to be badly injured, and 10 of them are in a serious condition. Many primary school children as well as members of the teaching staff are reported to have received injuries. 46 student leaders have been arrested. The students have continued the strike and have demanded the release of their leaders. The strike demands include the demand for the repeal of the University Ordinance by which the Universities and Colleges in Pakistan have been brought under the direct political control of bureaucrats who have now far-reaching powers of control over every aspect of university life.
Meanwhile the campaign for the election of President on 2nd January continues. Five opposition parties ranging-from extreme-left-to~-extreme right have combined in support of Miss Fatima Jinnah in opposition to Ayub Khan. Despite powerful opposition in the country, Ayub Khan has an even chance of getting clected by the 80,000 'Basic Democrats' who enjoy the franchise. If Miss Jinnah wins, the Government will still be dominated by the right wing. But the left can celebrate one fact. This election has brought into the mainstream of political life a.whole new generation of our people. It will leave its mark on the future.