New Delhi: In solidarity with the protesting students, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) has decided to observe a hunger strike on Tuesday against the university administration on various issues, including slapping fine on Kanahiya Kumar and rusticating three other students.
The JNU students are observing hunger strike since last week. Saurabh Sharma, who is joint secretary of the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU), was shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital on Monday afternoon after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike.
The JNUTA called a general body meeting on April 28 and decided to hold one-day hunger strike to protest “non-responsive attitude of the administration” on the current situation on the campus, the teachers association announced late Sunday in a statement.
“We are forced to take this step without a response on major issues, including on continuation of the seniority-based rotation system in appointment of Deans and Chairpersons, on intimidation of colleagues, victimisation of elected representatives, unsupportive attitude towards wardens and IHA officials when attacked by motivated elements, non-implementation of HLEC Report on harassment of Dr. Burton,” the JNUTA said in the statement.
The association slammed the administration and the High Level Enquiry Committee for the penalties handed down to the students accused of involvement in the Feburary 9 incident, saying the punishment was awarded without a credible inquiry.
The committee, constituted on February 11, fined Kanhaiya Kumar Rs.10,000 and rusticated students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and Mujeeb Gatto for their involvement in the event.
Anti-national slogans were reportedly raised during an event held on the JNU campus to commemorate parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s death anniversary.
“Our students are on indefinite hunger strike against arbitrary penalties imposed without a credible inquiry. Instead of bringing back normalcy, the administration is busy provoking the students by digging up old complaints, sending Proctorial Punishment declaration to special cell of Delhi Police, denying striking students access to bathroom and toilet facilities etc.,” the JNUTA said.
Meanwhile, Safdarjung Hospital authorities said Sharma's condition is stable.
“The condition of Saurabh Sharma is stable now. His sugar level had gone down but now it is normal. The concerned doctor is monitoring him and there is nothing to worry,” a senior doctor of the hospital said.
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