JNUSU asked not to invite outsiders to campus

The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Friday told JNUSU-backed students on ninth day of an indefinite hungerstrike not to invite outsiders, saying it might vitiate the academic atmosphere and peace on the campus.

The varsity issued a fresh advisory asking the students and the teachers to avoid inviting outsiders to the campus. The administration also asked the students to refrain from using “direct or indirect coercive measures and come forward for dialogue and discussion.”

“The administration requests all the teachers and students to avoid inviting people from outside the campus for any gathering or activity to press their demands, which could undermine peace and security on the campus,” JNU registrar Pramod Kumar said.

“Thousands of students on the campus are busy preparing for or writing their end semester examinations and also writing their dissertations. Continuing hungerstrikes and escalation through involvement of outsiders may further enhance the stress levels on the campus and affect the career of those students,” he added.

Alumni of the university will gather on the campus on Saturday to express solidarity by fasting for a day after members of civil society joined the protests on Friday.

JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, one of the students on indefinite hungerstrike, was discharged from AIIMS on Friday after his health improved after treatment for mild dehydration and ketosis.

“Kanhaiya has been discharged from AIIMS. He has been advised bed rest for a few days. He has to undergo some medical tests too, but he will continue with the strike,” the JNUSU said in a statement.

Some 25 students, in two separate groups, started indefinite hungerstrike last week. Five members of the ABVP called off their fast on Wednesday claiming they had an assurance from the JNU administration that their demands will be considered and five members of the Left-affiliated groups withdrew from the stir on Thursday citing deteriorating health.

Now, 15 students are on indefinite hungerstrike to protest against the punishment meted by the university to some students in connection with the controversial February 9 event.

In a separate notice, the registrar also asked the students not to use the public address system without permission in and around the administration block, which has been the venue of protest ever since the sedition row broke out.

“It has come to our notice that the public address system has been used without prior permission and disturbing peace in residential area. Use of the system is strictly prohibited in and around the administration block and can be used only after permission from the authorities,” the notice added.