Students at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) blocked all four entry gates to the campus as part of a protest demanding the holding of students' union elections, which have not taken place for almost eight years. The protest began on September 21 and has escalated tensions on campus, including an indefinite hunger strike by suspended postgraduate student Yasir Fahad.
- Students blocked four entry gates to AMU campus amid union election demands.
- Protest includes an indefinite hunger strike by Yasir Fahad.
- Police detained one outsider from a hostel during a raid; three students were released.
- University officials deny involvement in police action and call allegations false.
- Support from Bhim Army chief and AMU Teachers' Association urging dialogue and elections.
Why are AMU students protesting?
The students are protesting to demand the holding of students' union elections, which have not been conducted for nearly eight years. The union plays an important role in representing student interests and organizing campus activities. The protest started on September 21 and has included blocking campus gates and a hunger strike.
What events escalated the situation?
Tensions rose on Saturday evening after protesters tried to enter the proctor's office following reports that police had detained four students from a hostel in MM Hall. The proctor stated that a police raid was conducted to act against "external elements" staying in the hostel, and that the university was not involved in the raid.
Who was detained during the police raid?
According to AMU Proctor Naved Khan, three of the detained individuals were bona fide students, while the fourth was an outsider with dubious credentials and was wanted in an earlier case. The three students were released, but the outsider was taken into custody and sent to jail.
What is the university's stance on the police action?
The university authorities have denied any involvement in the police raid and rejected allegations that they asked police to detain students to disrupt the protest, calling such claims "totally false." The proctor explained that police acted on their own information about alleged criminal elements trying to exploit the situation on campus.
What concerns have been raised about the hunger strike?
Student Yasir Fahad has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 12 days, demanding the restoration of the students' union. Concerns have been raised about his health due to the prolonged strike, highlighting the seriousness of the protest.
Who supports the students' demands?
Chandrashekhar Azad, the chief of the Bhim Army, publicly supported the students' demand for union elections and urged university authorities to start dialogue with the protesters immediately. Additionally, the AMU Teachers' Association secretary Ashraf Mateen wrote to the Vice Chancellor requesting immediate steps to hold overdue elections for teachers' representatives to various university bodies.
What are the next steps for AMU?
The situation remains tense but the university security personnel reopened the blocked gates early Sunday morning. The calls for dialogue and elections suggest that stakeholders are seeking a resolution to the ongoing protest and the long-standing issue of the students' union elections.
