HAU students’ protest: Three rounds of talks inconclusive as students stand firm on VC’s removal
On the 12th day of the ongoing agitation at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), the government-appointed committee met agitating students in an attempt to break the deadlock. However, three rounds of talks held so far remained inconclusive, with students standing firm on their core demand — the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof BR Kamboj.
Sources said the first meeting was held at 3 pm at the PWD Rest House in Hisar and lasted nearly an hour. It was attended by three of the four members of the Chief Minister-appointed committee. Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Bedi and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar were present. However, PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa later joined the meeting in the evening.
A 12-member student delegation presented their demands, which included removal of the VC, legal and disciplinary action against university officials involved in the June 10 assault, restoration of scholarships, a probe into past campus controversies and the case of deceased scientist Dr Divya Phogat.
Following this, the committee invited students and faculty members to the DC office in the Mini-Secretariat for another round of discussions. During this session, the panel posed pointed questions to both groups. According to sources, while the committee showed willingness to accept scholarship-related demands, it urged students to drop issues related to past controversies. The committee remained non-committal on the demand for the VC’s removal — an issue the students consider non-negotiable.
The student delegation submitted a detailed file to the committee, including medical reports, video evidence and eyewitness testimonies related to the alleged assault.
Earlier in the day, tensions escalated symbolically as protesting students presented a letter written in blood, addressed to the President of India. Titled “The Final Cry for Justice”, the letter bore hundreds of blood signatures and called for a judicial probe, dismissal of those responsible and full restoration of student rights.
Additionally, over 350 students submitted a signed petition to the Governor of Haryana via speed post from the HAU campus post office, reiterating their demand for the VC’s removal. The petition accused the VC of “brutal repression, suppression of rights and administrative failure,” and warned that his continued presence could obstruct a fair inquiry.
As the movement gained traction, political support began pouring in. Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan launched a sharp attack on the VC, calling him a “tyrant within the university family.” “What’s worse,” Bhan said, “is that even during a student-led movement for justice, these shameless elements are looking for caste and religion.”
He accused the VC of aligning with political power instead of supporting students. “By kneeling before the government in the name of flattery, the VC has become an enemy of the very students he is meant to guide and protect,” he added.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said the meeting was held in a positive environment and it would resume tomorrow morning.
Haryana Tribune