School principals in Indjija reject student request for accommodation, orders came “from the top”

Students from across Serbia are marching to Novi Sad for a rally on November 1, 2025, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Novi Sad train station tragedy that claimed 16 lives.

“There is no explanation from the municipal president, just a flat-out refusal and essentially a ban on helping the students. Some colleagues are considering resigning as principals over this treatment of both the students and themselves, as the public will be led to believe the principals made this call when, in truth, it’s not their choice,” a source present at the Monday meeting told IN Medija.

The students have repeatedly tried to arrange a meeting with the municipal president and have sent multiple written requests to both him and the schools. IN Medija sources close to the local government in the neighboring town of Stara Pazova said the orders “from the top” were to deny the requests of student protesters in both Stara Pazova and Indjija. These demands have reportedly “deeply shaken” local authorities in both towns, as local sentiments and the orders from above are at odds. The burden of the decision has been shifted onto the school principals’ councils, the outlet reported.

Student protesters warned that if their request for accommodation is denied again, they will spend the night outside the Indjija municipal building. Veterans, bikers, security personnel, and local citizens have pledged to ensure the students’ safety during their overnight stay in Indjija.