Following violence over cut in stipend, Hisar agri university on boil
The ongoing dharna of students at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, has led to a confrontation between the university authorities and students. All this began when students raised the demand for restoration of full stipend, which was cut, for meritorious students. The matter escalated and resulted in a violent clash between the university security staff headed by some key administrative officials and students on June 10.
What triggered student protest at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University ?
Students resorted to protest over a decision of the university administration to reduce postgraduate (MSc and PhD) student stipends through a modification in University Rule 6.2, Chapter VI. This revision significantly cut the financial support provided to meritorious students, which had previously been a crucial aid covering their expenses during study. Students said they met the university authorities 20 days ago and appealed for the reversal of stipend cuts.
What was the university administration’s response according to students?
Students said their protest was peaceful, democratic and non-political. However, according to them, the situation escalated when Chief Security Officer (CSO) Sukhbir Singh, along with 50 to 60 university security guards, allegedly attacked unarmed students without provocation. Students claimed they were beaten with sticks, surrounded and assaulted. They said even female students were not spared. Later that night, when students regrouped outside the Vice- Chancellor’s residence, there was a second round of violence when charges of involvement in assault were levelled against Registrar Dr Pawan Kumar, Prof Radheshyam, Director of Sports Welfare (DSW) Dr ML Khichar and the CSO. Medical reports from Hisar Civil Hospital confirmed blunt injuries sustained by several students. The violence created an atmosphere of fear, outrage and insecurity across the university campus.
What allegations have been levelled in the FIR against university staff?
In an FIR lodged on complaint by a university student Deepanshu, it has been alleged that the Chief Security Officer, the Registrar, Prof Radheshyam and five security guards — Bijender, Anoop, Jagmesh Poonia, Narender and Suman — were involved in violent assaults on students in which many of them were injured. The FIR includes charges under Sections 110, 190, 191(2), 191(3) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which relate to unlawful assembly, assault and causing hurt. Students alleged that the Chief Security Officer had a record of prior misconduct
How much support students have got after the incident?
Former Students’ Union presidents condemned the violence as “heinous and unprecedented”. They blamed the Vice-Chancellor for violence and demanded his immediate resignation. They called for registration of charges of attempt to murder against those responsible for the violence. Political leaders, including Congress MPs Kumari Selja, Deepender Hooda, Olympian Bajrang Punia, the INLD and the JJP have extended support to students and also visited dharna site.
What are demands of protesting students following June 10 incident?
After violence, protesting students started an indefinite dharna at the university’s gate number four. They called for immediate resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, dismissal and arrest of the Chief Security Officer, Prof Radheshyam, the Registrar and other officials involved in ordering or assaulting students, particularly those who were responsible for violence against female students. In addition, they also demanded full medical compensation for all injured students, besides their demands for the restoration of the original stipend structure, reversal of changes to LDV (Land Development) seat allocations and an independent, impartial and high-level inquiry into the incident to investigate the misuse of power and ensure accountability of university administration officials.
What is the take of the university administration to the entire episode?
The university administration claimed that students tried to forcibly enter the Vice Chancellor’s office, assaulted security personnel and tore their uniforms. The administration stated that a committee had been formed earlier to address student grievances, but students did not attend its meetings. The administration, however, has assured a fair probe into the whole episode followed by action against those responsible for violence.
Haryana Tribune