LUCKNOW, Aug. 10 -- Hundreds of medical students and members of doctors' and social organisations staged a protest at Eco Garden on Sunday, demanding restoration of the 70% special reservation for SC/ST students in four government medical colleges established under the Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). Protesters demanded restoration of the earlier admission system, legal safeguards for the quota and interim measures to protect students' academic interests. The protest was organised by the Dr Ambedkar Doctors Association, Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Students' Federation of India (SFI), Indigenous Doctors Sangh and Indian Medical Professionals Association. The four colleges are located in Ambedkar Nagar, Kannauj, Jalaun and Saharanpur, according to a press release. SFI state secretary Abdul Wahab said the High Court verdict had affected opportunities for SC/ST students and urged the UP government to pursue a strong legal challenge. MP Singh of the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti demanded interim measures to protect students' academic interests until a final judicial decision. Dr Himanshu Saroj said the issue concerned social justice and equal opportunity, citing Articles 15(4), 15(5) and 46 of the Constitution. The protesters said the four colleges were established using SCP and TSP funds and demanded separate legislation or policy to protect their objectives. They said the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed. htc...