Vice-chancellors from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, J&K condemn JNU violence, call for exemplary action against culprits

Heads of universities across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh on Monday condemned the violence at the country’s premier Jawaharlal

Heads of universities across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh on Monday condemned the violence at the country’s premier Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in Delhi on Sunday night. Security was stepped up in campuses in the region though no untoward incident was reported.

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Violence had broken out inside JNU on Sunday night as masked men armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus. At least 28 people, including JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured as chaos reigned on the campus for nearly two hours.

Panjab University, Chandigarh, vice-chancellor Raj Kumar said, “We strongly condemn this (violence at JNU). Protests at universities have to be peaceful and should not spoil the atmosphere on the campus.”

Punjabi University, Patiala, vice-chancellor BS Ghuman said that violence in any form had no place on a campus. “It is a sensitive issue. Universities are places where we prepare generations for the welfare of society. Universities help in the germination and flourishing of ideas that shape the course of life. Violence is not at compatible with the idea of a university. Issues can be resolved through dialogue, discussion, agreement and debate. Such platforms are on all campuses,” Ghuman said

Dharamshala-based Central University of Himachal Pradesh vice-chancellor Kuldip Chand Agnihotri said, “The violence at JNU is the result of the kind of political activities being carried out there over years. This is a painful incident and condemnable. In Indian culture, there is no place for violence and use of force. Efforts should be made to build a constructive dialogue.”

Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, the vice-chancellor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, said, “The brutal attack on students and faculty members on the JNU campus is disturbing. This kind of incident where a masked mob vandalises an educational institution is unacceptable and deserves condemnation. However, claims and counter claims are being reported in the media. JNU has a history of higher academic standards and a dialogue is needed to sort out any difference.”

‘HOLD JNU V-C RESPONSIBLE’

Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora in Srinagar, vice-chancellor Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqi held JNU vice-chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar responsible for the violence. “It is the duty of the institution to provide security to students in classes and hostels and to ensure a secure ambience on the campus. If we don’t allow students to ask questions how will they develop leadership qualities?”

Katra-based Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University vice-chancellor RK Sinha said, “The JNU violence is most unfortunate. Whatever is going on for the past couple of months culminated in violence on Sunday. I can see that exams and registrations are not being allowed there due to the violence. All this should be stopped. We have a proper system here and there is no scope for such violence. Nothing of this sort will be allowed.”

Condemning the attack, DAV University, Jalandhar, vice-chancellor Desh Bandhu Gupta said exemplary action must be taken against the culprits. “It is unfortunate that the university authorities had not taken any precautionary step. How can a mob carrying rods and sticks and enter the campus to attack students and staff?” he said.

‘AGAINST OUR CULTURE, TRADITION’

Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, chancellor Ashok Mittal described the attack as highly deplorable. “It should never have happened inside a citadel of learning meant for the good of society. Such action is severely condemned and is not expected to happen in any institution. Identify and punish those involved. We should set an example so that such heinous crimes never occur again.”

IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, vice-chancellor Ajay Kumar Sharma said, “Violence at any educational institution is condemnable. Universities and colleges are temples of knowledge. This is against the tradition and culture of Indian universities. Our prime responsibility is to curb the anti-social elements inside and outside the campus. Courses on human values and how to lead a peaceful social life should be part of the syllabus in every educational institution.”

Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, vice-chancellor Sikander Kumar declined comment on the incident, saying, “I don’t want to say anything now as I’m not sure what exactly happened there.”

When contacted, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, vice-chancellor Dr Raj Bahadur also declined comment.

Rohtak-based Maharshi Dayanand University registrar Gulshan Taneja said vice-chancellor Rajvir Singh was at a meeting but he condemned the violence. “Only a probe can determine who is behind the violence,” Taneja said.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up across campuses in the region. Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, registrar Harbhajan Bansal said, “The campus is peaceful but we are on alert.”

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, registrar BR Kamboj agreed, “No one will be allowed to breach law and order on the campus. It’s peaceful here.”