The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) observed a one day Hunger Strike on 3rd May 2016 as JNU administration has been non-responsive to the major challenges that the university is facing, including the ongoing indefinite Hunger Strike by the students.
JNUTA has expressed concern since the administration is apparently using very different yardsticks to respond to grave issues, and continuing to disregard important norms and conventions.
The JNUTA has, once again, raised the issue of High Level Enquiry Committee (HLEC), the haste with which it was constituted and took its decisions, bypassing basic norms, including those of natural justice by the committee. Instead of bringing back normalcy, the Administration is taking steps to further escalate the situation by digging up old complaints, denying striking students access to bathroom and toilet facilities etc.
The Hunger Strike of 22 students would enter its second week soon, students are already being admitted to hospitals and if the administration chooses not to relent and does not engage with the students the situation is likely change for the worse, which is not in the best interests of the University.
JNUTA reiterated its demands for immediate attention:
–University administration should immediately ensure normalcy in the campus by seriously engaging with the students on hunger strike.
–Immediate action against the culprits of the Paschimabad incident of 12th February 2016.
–Withdrawal of the punishment based on HLEC Report, as credibility of HLEC remains questionable.
–Immediate assurance that the current policy of Rotation on seniority basis for appointment of Deans and Chairpersons will be continued.
–Action should be taken on the basis of HLEC Report on harassment of Dr. Burton (Warden Jhelum Hostel).
–Immediate end to intimidation of teachers and victimization of elected representatives of JNUEC and JNUTA.
–Security Establishment must be cautioned against over-enthusiasm and arbitrarily motivated interference like incident of barging in a CSLG class.
–Continuous monitoring to ensure supply of water and uninterrupted power in the campus, in the homes, hostels and academic buildings in particular.
–The University has not even taken cognizance of a “Dossier” being circulated that denigrates JNU and its various sections in the most vile and despicable manner. It urged the Vice Chancellor (VC) as the Head of the Institution to trash the contents of the Dossier in public without any delay and inquire about the authorship of such a defamatory document. JNUTA strongly condemns such reprehensible behavior from any member of JNU Community.
Finally, JNUTA would strive relentlessly so that University remains a space where academic environment must not be dictated to be of certain kind.