Violence in Jamia: V-C wants high-level inquiry, calls incident unfortunate
The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, Nagma Akhtar, is upset with how things shaped up yesterday and wants a high-level inquiry. Addressing press a while ago, she said she would file an FIR against the violence unleashed by the cops inside the campus. The clashes didn't only cause property damage, but led to "emotional loss" as well, Akhtar underscored.
But first, let's tell you what happened yesterday
Yesterday, dozens of Jamia students took out a march against the contentious Citizenship Act. The march took an unsavory turn when vehicles were torched in some parts of New Delhi. This "prompted" cops to forcefully enter the varsity, brutally thrash students and use tear gas to "control the situation". Later, as many as 50 students were detained. They were released early today.
In video clip, Akhtar said her students aren't alone
Notably, the students got strong backing from Akhtar. In a clip released by Jamia, she told students to not get disheartened and assured them that the entire university was with them. "I am hurt by the way my students were treated. I want to let my students know that they are not alone in this fight. I am with them," she said.
Can't compensate what students went through, underlined Akhtar
Akhtar reiterated the same thoughts at the press meet. Condemning the use of force, she said, "There has been a lot of property damage in the University, how will all this be compensated? There has been an emotional loss as well. Yesterday's incident was unfortunate." She added that rebuilding property was easier, but the way students were treated is disheartening.
Akhtar also clarified none of the students died
Further, Akhtar advised to not get swayed by rumors during these sensitive times. "There has been a strong rumor that two students died, we deny this totally, none of our students died. About 200 people were injured of which many were our students," she said.
Another top Jamia official said police didn't fire inside campus
Further, Akhtar was joined by Jamia Millia University Registrar AP Siddiqui at the press meet. He strongly refuted the rumor that Delhi Police opened fire inside the campus, saying that he had a word with Joint Commissioner on this matter. On reports that cops sexually assaulted female students, Siddiqui said he can't deny or confirm the many rumors floating on social media.
Meanwhile, students across India have lent support to Jamia
It should be noted that not only Jamia's administration but students from across India are condemning Sunday's incidents. They took out protests at Delhi University, West Bengal's Jadavpur University, and Banaras Hindu University too. At IIT Madras, students held placards condemning both, the Citizenship Amendment Act and the violence unleashed on Jamia students. Students of Loyola College also staged a sit-in protest.
