Hisar: Tensions have escalated at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUST) following a student welfare panchayat convened by the United Student Front at Krantiman Park. The panchayat issued a five-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding action on several key issues.
Background of the Protests
The move comes amid allegations of violence during protests linked to the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and a controversy involving the alleged obstruction of former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala's convoy by a CIA in-charge. The situation has been tense since April 15, when a student event was denied permission at the university, leading to protests by JJP supporters.
Demands of the Panchayat
A 31-member committee constituted at the panchayat subsequently met the divisional commissioner and senior police officials. The committee demanded:
- Immediate reinstatement of suspended students
- Withdrawal of FIRs lodged against students in Hisar and Kurukshetra
- Permission for all student organisations to hold campus events
- Curbs on the 'saffronisation' of educational institutions
- Improved hostel facilities, particularly food quality
- Setting up of a Fee Regulatory Board to oversee tuition charges across the state
Political Figures at the Panchayat
The panchayat was chaired by Gurjar Samaj national president Anant Ram Tanwar. Notable attendees included JJP national president Ajay Singh Chautala, former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, and JJP youth leader Digvijay Singh Chautala. Addressing the gathering, Pappu Yadav said the issue would be raised at the national level, asserting solidarity with the agitation. Dushyant alleged political interference in academic spaces and accused the police of high-handedness during late-night raids linked to the protests.
Digvijay's Remarks
Digvijay Chautala claimed that students were targeted for minor acts such as damage to property, alleging that subsequent police action, including a late-night crackdown, was excessive. He questioned whether campus spaces were being selectively opened for certain ideological organisations.
The April 15 Incident
The controversy dates back to April 15, when a student event was denied permission at the university. JJP supporters, led by Digvijay Chautala, staged a protest outside the vice-chancellor's office. An FIR was registered against eight leaders on charges of vandalism, leading to arrests, though those detained secured bail the following day.
Confrontation on April 17
The situation escalated further on April 17, when Dushyant Chautala was involved in a confrontation with the CIA-in-charge, Pawan Kumar. While Dushyant alleged that his convoy was stopped and he was threatened, the police officer maintained that the intervention was prompted by reckless driving and was purely precautionary.
Next Steps
The newly formed committee is set to review the government's response after five days. The outcome of this ultimatum could determine the course of protests at the university.
