The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has accused the JNU administration of “criminalising protest.” This accusation follows the university’s request for an FIR (First Information Report) over slogans raised at a student event. The event marked the sixth anniversary of a campus attack on January 5.
JNUTA labeled the administration’s move “ridiculous.” The teachers’ body stated the JNU administration and Delhi Police failed to prevent the original violence six years prior. They also noted the authorities proved “unable to identify” and take action against those responsible for that past incident.
The student event saw the alleged raising of objectionable slogans. These slogans targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The slogans specifically referenced the Supreme Court’s denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 riots conspiracy case.
The JNU administration announced an FIR registration on Wednesday. It confirmed strict action would be taken against students found raising “objectionable slogans.” This statement from the administration preceded the JNUTA’s public criticism.
JNUTA stated the “FIR saga” proves the “spirit of the University” remains strong. This spirit persists despite a decade-long pursuit, according to JNUTA, of an agenda aimed at “destroying JNU.”
Campus Environment Concerns
Over the past ten years, JNUTA claims JNU’s administration has systematically altered the university’s framework. Two successive vice-chancellors, according to JNUTA, have “eliminated” the faculty’s role. This reduction of faculty influence affects both the admission process and faculty recruitment.
Specific changes cited by JNUTA include the transfer of JNU entrance exams to the National Testing Agency (NTA). Additionally, faculty recruitment has become increasingly centralized. Decisions for these recruitments now predominantly originate from the vice-chancellor’s office.
JNUTA asserted that a “spirit of resistance” remains active on campus. This resistance opposes the “authoritarianism” of the JNU Administration. It also confronts the “extreme administrative incompetence” and the undermining of academic standards and social justice, which JNUTA attributes to the administration’s policies.
Many students and faculty members who joined JNU under the current administrative structure have also joined this resistance. JNUTA states they have become part of this movement due to the “oppressive conditions” created by the administration.
JNUTA’s Call to Action
The teachers’ association expressed confidence in public perception. It believes the public will discern what it termed attempts to engineer a “media trial” against the university. JNUTA strongly condemned the administration’s recent decision regarding the FIR.
The association appealed to all faculty members. It urged them to remain vigilant and guard against provocations within the university environment.