JNU Students’ Protest: JNU Students’ March Halted by Police, 43 Students Detained
JNU students’ protest escalates as 43 students are detained by police during a march for increased scholarships. Discover the heated confrontations and what’s next in this ongoing battle.
Key Points:
- 43 students were detained during the JNU protest.
- Students demand an increase in scholarship amounts.
- JNUSU leaders met with Ministry of Education officials.
- Heavy police presence and barricades outside the university.
- The hunger strike on campus continues, now in its 13th day.
- Allegations of misconduct against university security staff.
- Division within the student body on protest strategies.
- ABVP chose not to join the protest or the university-wide strike.
Police Stop JNU Students’ Protest, 43 Detained
On Friday, the JNU students’ protest reached a critical point. Members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) organized a march towards the Ministry of Education to demand an increase in scholarship amounts. However, police intervened just outside the university campus, leading to the detention of 43 students.
Detention and Release
- Police detained 43 students at the protest site.
- The detained students were taken to a police station.
- All detained students were later released.
- The detention emphasized the rising tensions surrounding the JNU students’ protest.
Meeting with the Ministry of Education
Despite the detentions, a JNUSU delegation, including the president, vice president, and joint secretary, was allowed to meet with Ministry of Education officials. This meeting was a key moment in the JNU students’ protest, as it gave student leaders a chance to discuss their demands directly with government officials.
Main Discussion Points:
- Scholarship Funds: Students requested more funds to increase the Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarship and to open Barak Hostel.
- Entrance Exams: They pushed for JNU to conduct its entrance exams, criticizing the National Testing Agency (NTA) for multiple issues.
- Fellowships: The delegation raised concerns about the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) and fellowships for MTech and MPH students.
- Viva Voce Weightage: Students argued for a reduction in the weightage of viva voce in the admissions process.
JNUSU Statement:
- The Ministry of Education was informed about violations of JNU statutes.
- Specifically, the exclusion of JNUSU from Academic Council meetings was highlighted.
- The student body was assured of a positive response from the Ministry.
Heavy Police Presence and Barricades
Anticipating the JNU students’ protest, the police deployed a large number of officers outside the university. Multiple barricades were set up to prevent students from leaving the campus. Despite these barriers:
- Students managed to march about half a kilometre before police stopped them.
- A brief clash occurred when students tried to break through the barricades.
- A police official stated earlier that the students had no permission to march outside the campus.
Ongoing Hunger Strike
The JNU students’ protest is part of a larger movement, including a hunger strike that began on August 11. The hunger strike has now entered its 13th day. The students involved in the strike have several demands:
- Increased Scholarships: They want higher scholarship amounts to support students.
- Caste Census: A call for a caste census to be conducted on campus.
- Lifting the Protest Ban: The protestors demand that the ban on campus protests be lifted.
- Withdrawal of Inquiries: Students want the withdrawal of proctorial inquiries against those who participated in previous protests.
Divisions Within the Student Body
- JNUSU’s BAPSA-affiliated General Secretary Priyanshi Arya distanced herself from the protest.
- Arya suggested that the Union should first protest within the prohibited 100-meter radius of the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
- This reflects some division within the student body on how to approach the protest.
ABVP’s Position
The RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) chose not to participate in the JNU students’ protest or the university-wide strike called by the Union. This decision underscores differing opinions within the student community on how best to address their grievances.
Allegations Against University Security
The JNU students’ protest also brought to light serious allegations against the university’s security personnel. The JNUSU released a video claiming that:
- Journalists covering the protest were assaulted by security staff.
- Security personnel tried to destroy the cameras that were filming the incident.
- The cameras were returned only after students intervened.
Political Response:
- Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas wrote a letter to JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit.
- Brittas demanded strong action against the misconduct by security personnel.
- He expressed concern over the alleged assault on journalists.
- Brittas called for an independent investigation.
- He urged the university administration to send a clear message against the mistreatment of media professionals.
- He insisted that those responsible be held accountable.
Conclusion
The JNU students’ protest continues to be a significant movement within the university. The combination of a hunger strike. Demands for increased scholarships. And calls for more inclusive decision-making processes. These all reflect the deep concerns of the student community. With the involvement of the Ministry of Education and ongoing discussions, the outcome of this protest could have lasting effects on the future of JNU and its students.
