Mysuru, Feb. 20 -- The Karnataka State Government's recent move to shut down nine universities, including those in Mandya, Hassan and Kodagu, has sparked widespread protests from students and teachers, who are demanding a reconsideration of the move.

In Hassan, students and teachers organised a protest rally from N.R. Circle to the Deputy Commissioner's Office, where they staged a dharna demanding the retention of Hassan University. Protesters chanted slogans such as "Our University, Our Right" (Namma VV, Namma Hakku), among others.

The students condemned the Government's decision and urged it to reconsider, emphasising the impact on both rural and urban students pursuing higher education. They warned of intensifying their protests in t...