Buxar: More than 100 students of Ambedkar Residential School at Rampur village in Kesath block of Dumraon subdivision walked nearly 40km to Buxar on Sunday and staged a protest at Ambedkar Chowk, alleging poor living conditions and lack of basic facilities.Students from classes III to X began the march early in the morning and reached the district headquarters in the afternoon. Wearing soiled clothes, visibly tired and with several younger children walking barefoot, they sat on the road and raised slogans over their grievances.The students alleged the school had been without regular water and electricity for several days. They claimed they were forced to use water from a nearby canal and also complained about the quality of food, alleging insects had been found in meals on some occasions.Student Vishal Kumar said repeated complaints to teachers and officials had gone unaddressed. He alleged food, drinking water, electricity, uniforms and other essential facilities were inadequate.The protesters demanded restoration of basic facilities, better meals and action against those responsible. They also sought removal of district welfare officer (DWO) Arvind Kumar, alleging their complaints had not been addressed.Buxar SDM Avinash Kumar and SDPO Gaurav Pandey reached the spot and tried to persuade the students to end the road blockade. The protesters insisted on meeting district magistrate Sahila and submitting their grievances. AISA supporters and other social organisations also joined them.The DWO rejected the allegations, saying the school had a generator and drinking water was arranged through it during power cuts. He also denied complaints about food quality.“Power supply was disrupted for three days, but drinking water was arranged through the generator. Food is served strictly according to the prescribed menu. I personally visited the school on Saturday and mutton and rice were served as per the menu,” Kumar said, adding the allegations were baseless.The protest ended around 6pm after ADM Arun Kumar met with the students and pacified them. The SDM and other officials assured the students that their complaints would be heard and a written representation accepted. The SDM said further action would follow after examining the complaints and submitting the matter to the DM.