Students, teachers protest over police on campus

JNU students continued their protest on the campus for the third day on Friday, saying they are facing a “witch-hunt.”

The students and teachers protested outside the vice-chancellor’s office, demanding intervention over the manner in which students are being compared to “terrorists” and picked up from campus by policemen. The JNU Teachers’ Association condemned the arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar as an “uncalled for” action. “This could be a disciplinary issue but how can it be a case of sedition The action agai-nst the students is uncalled for. The way students are being randomly picked up from the campus is very unfortunate at a university which is widely known for its democratic ethos,” said Vikramaditya, secretary, JNUTA.

Questioning the filing of a sedition case against Mr Kumar, Congress leader Kapil Sibal asserted that it was a very serious charge and the BJP government should think before taking action under it. CPI secretary D. Raja visited the campus and met the vice-chancellor and registrar demanding that the university ensures that students’ interests are protected.

The JNU administration said the university said it will now allow free speech to be used as a platform for activities that violate the Constitution.

“While the JNU community upholds the right to free debate on campus, the university strongly condemns its use as a platform for activities that violate the Constitution and the laws of the land. However, there could be aberrations where fringe sections misuse the freedom provided,” newly-appointed vice-chancellor Jagdeesh Kumar said.

He appealed the students to go beyond this incident and help the campus return to “normalcy.” While the problem would be appropriately addressed in this case, the university would also take steps to protect the academic atmosphere and the environment for vibrant discussion that JNU has always provided and stands for, he said. The varsity had barred the entry into campus for outsiders on Friday.