JNU Hunger Strike: Admin Claims Dialogue and Care Amid Rustication Row
JNU admin claims multiple talks and medical care for students on hunger strike demanding the revocation of rustication orders.
The administration of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has broken its silence regarding the ongoing JNU students hunger strike, asserting that it has conducted multiple rounds of discussions with the protesters and is ensuring their health is monitored. The protest, which began on October 3, centers on the demand to revoke the rustication of elected members of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU).
Dialogue and Deadlocks
According to an official statement from the university, a committee led by Prof Vivek Kumar, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, has engaged with the hunger strikers on two separate occasions. The first meeting took place on October 9 at the Vice-Chancellor’s office and lasted over four hours. The administration noted that because two of the protesting groups refused to meet together, separate discussions were held.
Following the first round of talks, the university claimed that two groups ended their protest after receiving assurances from the committee. A second meeting was convened on October 14 at 5 pm, which continued for several hours. While the discussions were extensive, the administration stated that it was decided the students would meet the committee again at a later date.
Medical Care and Humanitarian Grounds
Addressing concerns over the deteriorating health of the protesters, the university administration emphasized that medical protocols are being strictly followed. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has been monitoring the vital signs and health conditions of the students daily.
Notably, the university stated that medical care is being extended to the rusticated students on humanitarian grounds, with check-ups conducted twice a day. The administration also mentioned that a "competent authority" visited the protest site at 8:50 am on October 16, though they reported finding no one sleeping at the location at that time.
The Cost of Conflict: Public Property Damage
The university administration strongly defended its decision to rusticate certain students, citing significant damage to public property. According to the university, the students involved caused losses worth Rs 20 lakh. The administration highlighted that this property was purchased using funds provided by the Government of India, essentially meaning taxpayers' money was lost.
The university further alleged that the rusticated students have consistently violated restrictions, remained on campus illegally, and participated in political protests in direct violation of university rules and their own bail conditions. The administration described its approach as "the most democratic and humanitarian," arguing that it had avoided taking even more extreme actions despite the circumstances.
Political Intervention
The standoff has now drawn the attention of higher authorities. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas has written to President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the official Visitor of JNU, seeking her urgent intervention. In his letter dated October 18, Brittas expressed deep concern over the students' health as the hunger strike entered its 16th day.
Brittas has urged the President to ensure:
- The revocation of rustication orders against elected JNUSU representatives.
- The withdrawal of "objectionable provisions" within the Chief Proctor’s Office (CPO) Manual.
- An expedited resolution to the longstanding grievances of the student community.
The situation remains tense as students continue their peaceful protest, while the administration maintains that it has acted fairly and provided necessary support to those involved.