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Tension in Hyderabad university as students go on protest
The protest comes a day after authorities at the university decided to demolish a memorial for Vemula, who committed suicide after alleging caste discrimination, sparking a political debate in the country.
Students of University of Hyderabad began a protest on Friday in front of the administration building, seeking immediate removal and arrest of vice-chancellor P Appa Rao, whom they hold responsible for Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula’s suicide in January.
The protesting students blocked the entrance to the building and stopped the employees from entering. Some employees managed to enter the building from the rear gate but students continued their protest.
The protest comes a day after authorities at the university decided to demolish a memorial for Vemula, who committed suicide after alleging caste discrimination, sparking a political debate in the country.
Joint Action Committee for Social Justice is demanding that university authorities drop charges against all students and open the university gates for media and the public. It is also seeking action against policemen responsible for ‘targetted violence’ against students on March 22.
The university security has sought help from police to end the blockade.
On March 22, a group of students, who were opposing Appa Rao’s return as the VC after a two-month leave, allegedly vandalised his residence and pelted stones at police.
Twenty-five students and two faculty members were arrested in connection with the violence on the campus and were released on Tuesday. They have vowed to intensify their struggle until Appa Rao is removed as the vice-chancellor.
The students’ union of the university has even sought President Pranab Mukherjee’s immediate intervention to resolve issues related to the varsity and ensure sacking of the V-C.
