JNU violence evokes strong reaction at AMU

The mob attack on students and teachers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on Sunday, January 5 has evoked strong reaction at the AMU campus. The AMU is officially closed since December 16 and all the hostels have been completely evacuated. However, some non-resident students are holding daily protests at the campus which are peaceful and symbolic.

On Sunday night, however, as soon as news of the JNU mob violence started spreading, student leaders who have formed a Coordination Committee to spearhead the anti-CAA agitation, immediately called for a candlelight march protest against the JNU incident shortly before the mid-night. The protesters have announced that their protest march will be within the university campus. Sensing the rising anger, the police, however, took all the necessary security measures and by 9 pm the entire campus was sealed off by the police. Even as the protesters were arriving at the Baab-e-Syed gate, which marks the university campus, the police force was sensibly withdrawn beyond the barrier at the University Circle.

The Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Kulhari was heard directing the police force “to act with restraint” even if there was some minor provocation. The tactic paid off and the protest ended peacefully shortly before midnight.

The AMU Students’ Coordination Committee has demanded a judicial probe into the JNU incident and has bitterly criticised the role of the Delhi police for permitting the mob at JNU to play havoc for nearly two hours allegedly “under the protection of the police”.

Late Sunday night, the AMU Teacher’s Association (AMUTA) Secretary, Professor Najmul Islam issued a statement expressing serious concern over the JNU mob attack. Islam said, “If such a heinous mob attack takes place in the heart of country’s capital in one of the most prestigious universities of India, then it is a matter of grave concern”.

The AMUTA has urged the President, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India to take urgent cognizance of the JNU incident as it is a matter of grave internal security. He said that the government should take immediate steps for the protection and security of students and teachers at JNU.

The former President of the AMU Students’ Union, Faizul Hasan has announced that the AMU community would be holding a Tiranga march later on Monday afternoon in support of the peaceful agitation which is at present going on in several universities.

Hasan also condemned the violence which took place two days ago at Nankana Saheb in Pakistan. He said it was the duty of the Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure that the life and property of all minorities are fully secured. He said: “We want immediate action against all those vandals responsible for this incident.”

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU has demanded the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor of JNU, Prof Jagdesh Kumar for the violence inside the university’s campus.

The RDA is also holding a protest meeting at the Trauma Centre of the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College hospital later Monday evening.

Police have been posted at all entry points of the campus as a precautionary measure.