SULAIMANI (ESTA) — University students on Monday continued to protest in Sulaimani against the suspension of their monthly stipends.
Students gathered outside the university of Sulaimani and polytechnic university for the second day in a row, according to Esta Media Network reporter.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has suspended the distribution of student stipends since 2015, when the Region was hit by an economic crisis due to a drop in oil prices, the fight against Islamic State (ISIS) and the wave of displaced people and refugees who headed to Kurdish for shelter.
Students were paid 30,000-100,000 Iraqi dinars ($20.5-$68.5) per month.
“We ask for the smallest rights which is the provision of stipends,” a student told Esta Media Network during the protests.
“Unfortunately, we have received no answers. Our rights have been taken. We need stipends for livings,” she said.
Another student said they would continue to protest until their demands are met.
“We will continue if the security forces in Sulaimani do not use violence against students,” she told Esta Media Network. “There are students who sleep in gardens because they are not given dormitories.”
The students, later, walked towards the governorate building. Esta Media Network reporter said the students blocked the main road between Sulaimani and Kirkuk upon their arrival.
On Sunday, university and institute students protested in Erbil and Sulaimani cities and Garmian and Raparin administrations.
