Michi Marpu’s Death: Students Intensify Protest at MA College of Engineering

Kochi: Students have intensified their protest against the management of Mar Athanasius College of Engineering in Kothamangalam over the death of Michi Marpu (21), a student from Arunachal Pradesh. The students are demanding that the college authorities take responsibility for Michi’s death, provide compensation to his family, seriously consider the issues raised by the students and take action against those responsible for his death. The students also allege that the authorities are not allowing them to enter the college premises.

Michi, a third-year BTech student, was found dead by suicide at his place of residence recently. Following the postmortem proceedings on Monday, his body was taken to his native place. Michi had come from Arunachal Pradesh for higher studies on a scholarship. He was found dead after reportedly experiencing mental distress following an academic ‘year back’ resulting from insufficient credits.

Students are protesting in front of the college gate, raising slogans. They told media that the management gave only verbal assurances during an earlier discussion and that the protest will continue until they receive an official written assurance. The students have also demanded that those responsible for the death step aside from their duties until the investigation is completed.

The management had stated on Monday that it would accept the students’ demands, including the withdrawal of the year-back system. However, the students demanded that the assurance be provided in writing. The management issued a circular on Tuesday morning outlining these matters. The students allege that the circular does not carry an official seal and accuse the authorities of attempting to merely create an impression of action. They also allege that the college authorities are not even willing to speak to them.

Michi’s classmates allege that the tragedy was caused by the autonomous MA College enforcing a requirement of 22 credits, while the Kerala Technological University’s prescribed credit threshold is 18. Students who fail to secure the required credits reportedly face a year back, resulting in the loss of their studies and hostel facilities.

Higher Education Minister Roji M John had stated on Monday that such systems had been temporarily suspended at the university level.