PM's 'pain' over college murder

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The Indian prime minister has expressed "pain" over the murder of a professor in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Manmohan Singh said that disrespectful behaviour by students must end, and "anti-social elements" should be banned from university campuses.

The prime minister was speaking at a nationwide meeting of teachers.

Professor HS Sabharwal was found badly beaten on the campus of Madhav college in the city of Ujjain last week and later died of his injuries.

'Unruly students'

Police have charged two student union activists affiliated to the opposition BJP with the murder.

The two men gave themselves up to police on Wednesday after being charged with arson and causing a disturbance.

It is alleged that the students attacked him after he cancelled college elections.

Police also arrested 23 student activists affiliated to India's governing Congress party in connection with the disturbances.

Mr Singh said he appreciated the dedication of teachers and their commitment to the country.

"These traits among teachers are today of even greater value when... anti-social behaviour is overtaking our educational institutions," he said.

He said was "deeply pained" to hear about the professor's death "at the hands of unruly students".

Mr Singh urged parents to teach their children to show more respect to their teachers.