Thodupuzha: CPM Idukki district secretary CV Varghese has issued a grim warning to the agitating students of students of Idukki Government Nursing College, saying that the party can even close the college. "You can study if you want. The party brought college here, we also know how to shut it down," he reportedly told them.

The nursing students and their parents started a strike on October 16, raising several demands, including allocation of rooms in a hostel at Painavu. Later, it was decided to hold a meeting at the Collector’s office on October 18 to discuss the issue. However, the venue was shifted to the CPM district secretary's office in Cheruthony as the Collector was out of station.

The College principal, two faculty members, the PTA president, two PTA executive committee members and five student representatives took part in the meeting. Students, however, said that rather than finding a solution to the issue, Varghese dismissed the demands and told them that striking will not help them at all.

“Even if you strike for a long time, your demand (for the accommodation at Painavu) will never be met. Our government (CPM) established the nursing college in Idukki, and we also know how to close it down. If the students are unwilling to stay at the accommodation arranged by us, the party will shut the college down,” he told the gathering.

Varghese also ridiculed the students for obeying the instructions of the PTA members. “If you blindly follow them, two years of your life will be lost,” he reportedly told the nursing students.

“The government is not going to take any action. You (students) will be the only losers if the strike takes long,” said the CPM leader.

Varghese also reportedly threatened a PTA member who spoke for the students at the meeting.