Tension At JNU: Students Burn Vice Chancellor’s Effigy, High Security Deployed Outside Campus

New Delhi: The atmosphere is heated again in JNU. Students have been on the streets for the past few days against Vice Chancellor (VC) Shantisree Dhulipudi Pandit. It is alleged that the VC made some comments in a podcast on Dalits and UGC's new equity regulations, which seemed casteist. Students say that these things are extremely objectionable, and the VC should apologize or resign. Besides, the demand to implement the new guidelines of UGC (which are meant to prevent caste discrimination on campus) is also in full swing.

How did the controversy start?

Everything started with a podcast in early February. VC calls UGC's equity regulations "unnecessary" and "wokeism". He compared the condition of Dalits to that of Blacks in America and said that "permanent victimhood" does not lead to progress, nothing is achieved by playing the "victim card". Students considered it casteist. JNUSU called it "blatantly casteist" and demanded the resignation of the VC. The VC later clarified that the remarks were taken out of context, and he did not say anything against Dalits. But the students are not ready to accept.

Why was there a clash with the police?

On Thursday (February 26), students tried to march from the campus to the Ministry of Education. Police and administration said that there is no permission to stay inside the campus. But 400-500 students came out. When the police stopped, the situation worsened. Students broke barricades and threw banners, sticks and slippers in some places. Police say that some policemen were injured. The students allege that the police lathi-charged, and many including women were injured.

How many students were arrested?

After the clash, police arrested 14 students. These include JNUSU President Aditi Mishra, Vice President Gopika K Babu, Joint Secretary Danish Ali and former President Nitish Kumar. Case registered in BNS section—obstruction in government work, assault etc. They were produced in Patiala House Court on Friday, where everyone got bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000.

Students gathered again on Friday night to protest against the arrest. Tried to burn the effigy of VC. There was heavy police presence, but the students burnt the effigy. After that the security in the area was further increased.

What will happen next?

Right now the police vigil has increased around the campus. Students are adamant about their demands – VC resignation, UGC rules implemented, and rustication back. The administration and police are saying that law and order has to be maintained. It remains to be seen whether talks will lead to a solution or the conflict will escalate. In a campus like JNU, such issues flare up quickly.