KANPUR, Aug. 14 -- Students at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Anaugi, Kannauj, locked themselves inside their hostel and began a hunger strike in the early hours of Thursday, alleging poor-quality food, unsafe drinking water and misconduct by school staff, including the principal.

The students began their protest around 4am and also boycotted classes. They demanded that a senior administrative officer visit the campus, hear their complaints and provide a written assurance on resolving the issues before they call off the protest.

In a three-page complaint and videos circulated by the students, they alleged poor hygiene in the mess and claimed that stale food was being served. Their allegations included being served month-old boondi,...