JNU: Students 'confine' top administration over compulsory attendance row
Looks like the furore over compulsory attendance at the Jawaharlal Nehru University is not going to die down anytime soon. Despite the high court's ban on protests within 100 metres of JNU's administrative building, a large number of students gathered in the block on Thursday, allegedly "confining" top university officials, including two rectors and the chief proctor. Here's more.
How did it start?
A new circular was issued on Thursday, adding fuel to fire. It said that only students with a minimum of 75% attendance could claim scholarships, take exams and register for the next semester. Soon after at around 11am, students started gathering at administrative block's "freedom square" to talk to the V-C about it, which quickly escalated into a full-blown agitation.
The administration fears for the confined officials' safety
According to a statement released by the registrar, Pramod Kumar, students didn't let the rectors leave the building, even for lunch. Fearing for their safety, it claims one of the rectors was feeling giddy and might need medical attention. Kumar told Hindustan Times that they hadn't yet called the police and were trying to reach a solution amicably.
Rector moved out in an ambulance, says V-C
Vice chancellor requests a 'peaceful dialogue'
JNU's vice chancellor, M Jagadesh Kumar, has been tweeting live about the agitation since Thursday. He's posted videos/images of the alleged mistreatment of the top officials, gravely condemning students flouting the HC order and taking to hooliganism despite the administration having agreed to a peaceful dialogue. "Please don't destroy the future of thousands of other JNU students," he says in one of the tweets.
V-C takes to Twitter to condemn protesting students
'We are waiting peacefully. Want to talk to the V-C'
The JNUSU, meanwhile, has denied all claims of wrongdoing and has called the administration's allegations "lies". Calling their protest, "peaceful waiting," JNUSU leaders told HT, "They (the administration) don't want any dialogue and are spreading lies. We are just waiting here. We just want the V-C to clarify their position and rationale behind the attendance policy".
