NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) once again came under national spotlight after protesting students allegedly raised slogans against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on campus.
This has triggered controversy and protests across educational institutions in the country.
The incident occurred on the night of January 5, and videos of the protest went viral on social media, intensifying the debate. Protesters were heard chanting slogans critical of the prime minister and the home minister, which later drew strong reactions from political and academic circles.
According to the university administration, the demonstration was organized in protest against the January 2020 hostel attack incident. However, the slogans raised during the protest, which explicitly mentioned top government leaders, sparked controversy.
The protest took place shortly after the Supreme Court refused bail to student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the Delhi riots case. It is pertinent to note that during the anti-CAA and NRC protests in February 2020 in northeast Delhi, at least 53 people were killed and over 700 injured.
JNU strongly condemned the incident and announced strict disciplinary action against students involved in raising what it termed “undesirable slogans.”
In a statement, the university said that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, violence, illegal conduct and anti-national activities will not be tolerated. The administration warned that students could face immediate suspension, expulsion, or permanent debarment in serious cases.
University security officials have requested the registration of an FIR. In a letter to the Station House Officer of Vasant Kunj (North) police station, it was stated that the event began around 10:00 pm and was allegedly organized by students affiliated with the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU).
The list of students named in connection with the incident includes Aditi Mishra, Gopika Babu, Sunil Yadav, Danish Ali, Saad Azmi, Mehboob Elahi, Kanishk, Paiza Khan, and Shubham. However, police have not yet registered an FIR and are currently seeking legal opinion.
Responding to the allegations, JNUSU President Aditi Mishra said the slogans were ideological in nature and did not target any individual personally.
She alleged that the incident was being used to defame the university and pressure students, and criticized sections of the media for misrepresenting the protest.
