New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) found itself embroiled in a fresh controversy on Monday over an event discussing Umar Khalid’s book Fractured Communities: Adivasi History and Politics of Power.
The event saw several students and teachers participating despite the cancellation of the original venue. However, as the discussion began, two student groups came face to face.
The event was originally scheduled at the JNU auditorium but was cancelled by the administration. The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) chose to organise it outside the School of Social Sciences II building.
Acrimonious scenes and heated exchanges were witnessed as the two factions, representing different ideologies, sparred over the book. The discussion began around 3 p.m. outside the School of Social Sciences II building and was attended by several students and faculty members.
A confrontation broke out when students affiliated with the JNUSU raised slogans demanding Umar Khalid’s release. Many chanted slogans such as “Release Umar Khalid” and “The locks of the jail will break, all comrades will be freed.”
Taking objection, students linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who opposed the event, raised counter slogans. The sloganeering led to a tense situation on the campus.
While the heated atmosphere triggered fresh allegations and counter allegations between student groups, JNU clarified that the auditorium booking was secured by providing “incorrect and incomplete” information, leading to revocation of permission.
Umar Khalid, a former student leader, has been incarcerated since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case.
(IANS)
