JNU admin issues clarification to end 'caste' row

A group representing backward students claimed victory in its confrontation with the JNU administration today after the Proctor issued a circular expressing regret if his purported remarks had hurt the feelings on the campus.

A group representing backward students claimed victory in its confrontation with the JNU administration today after the Proctor issued a circular expressing regret if his purported remarks had hurt the feelings on the campus.

The All India Backward Students Forum (AIBSF) had taken offence to remarks by Proctor H B Bohidar in an interview to a newspaper where he purportedly said that no other group in JNU uses the "caste card".

The group said the remarks were tantamount to calling it a "casteist organisation" and were unwarranted".

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In a 'clarification' issued yesterday, the Proctor said he was quoted "out of context" in the newspaper report and added that "if it has hurt anybody's feelings it is regretted".

"This is being taken as a victory by our members," said Jitendra Yadav, AIBSF President.

The row started after a poster on 'Mahishasura' being circulated by AIBSF early this month resulted in a showcause notice being sent by the varsity to Yadav for his role in releasing religiously "offensive" material. Yadav in turn sent a legal notice to the University.

Members of AIBSF and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had clashed earlier this month over posters that were found "hurtful" by a section of students.

The Proctor's note also clarified that Left-wing organisation 'JNU Forum against War on People' had not been banned but only put under a 'restrain order', pending a Proctorial inquiry which has failed to progress due the non-cooperation of the group's members.