Holi curbs leave DU's female hostellers fuming

As per a notice issued by two hostels of Delhi University, girls have been barred from stepping out of the hostel premises on Holi festival this Monday.

The two hostels, namely International Student House for Women (ISHW) and Meghdoot Hostel, have issued notices that have imposed strict guidelines on female inmates of the hostels.

"This is extremely unfair. The college and hostel authorities do not have any right to impose such rules on us. We have our right to freedom and nobody can stop us from enjoying Holi festival," said a university student, who chose to remain anonymous.

Earlier, students at the University – apprehensive of hooliganism and the volatile atmosphere in the campus – were hesitant to celebrate the festival.

Students had stated that they have been facing such problems earlier, but this time the situation was worse.

The notice by ISHW clearly states that residents and female guests of the hostel will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 pm on March 12 till 6 pm on March 12.

No male visitors would be allowed to enter the hostel complex on March 13.

Moreover, no late night permissions will be granted to any inmate on Sunday.

"Women are locked up for their 'own safety' and arbitrary restrictions are imposed on their mobility and they asked to stop 'illegal confinement of women students on the day of Holi," said an ISHW student who did not wish to be named.

Meanwhile, ISHW has notified that the decision has been taken in the interest of its residents.

Further, Meghdoot Hostel issued the notice informing the inmates that the main gate of the hostel will remain closed from 6 am to 5.30 pm on March 13.

The notice also stated that the residents who plan to go for night-outs or to visit their local guardians, should leave the hostel by March 12 or only after 5.30 pm on March 13.

"All this is to ensure our safety? Instead of taking strict actions towards solving the issue or taking action against the people who cause problem, the hostel authorities have confined us on Holi. This is injustice," said Shubhangi, an inmate of one of the hostels.