Protect responsible students of JNU: ABVP

Protesting against the punishment awarded to him by JNU administration in connection with the controversial February 9 event, JNUSU joint secretary and ABVP member Saurabh Sharma wrote a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday, appealing to “protect nationalist and responsible students”.

Saurabh said that he will also write to a section of prominent personalities, including actors, scientists, academicians, Prime Minister and members of Parliament of different parties, amongst others, after submitting his objection letter to the vice-chancellor and President.

“I along with the other responsible citizens and nationalist students of JNU had submitted an objection opposing the anti-national and seditious activity on February 9 to JNU administration. It withdrew permission accordingly. However, the organisers along with support of some student leaders continued with the event,” Saurabh said in the letter.

“I have been punished for opposing the procession and assisting the process of law in arrest of the accused who were organising the anti-India event. The JNU administration has failed to distinguish between the anti-India students and nationalist students. The office order of the chief proctor warns me not to oppose any such event/procession in future,” it added.

Alleging the action against him is an act of criminalising patriotism and nation-service, the student leader added, “This shall create a dangerous precedent for the nationalist and responsible citizen-students of India whereby they shall fear to oppose such the anti-national event and slogans for balkanisation of India. A section of JNU Teachers’ Association as well students’ union has started witch hunting us for our protest against the anti-national event through frivolous complaints.”

“On behalf of the nationalist students of JNU, I request you to protect us and strengthen our confidence in nation-service and patriotism. I wish to ask to your esteemed authority whether opposing such anti-national seditious slogans and chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ will be crime in this country,” added Saurabh.

Saurabh, who is the lone ABVP member in the students’ union, has been slapped with a fine of Rs 10,000 by the university.