HAU students’ stir continues, threaten campus shutdown

The student protest at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, entered its 21st day on Monday, with demonstrators refusing to back down until their demands are met. Despite appeals from the university administration to resume dialogue, students have issued an ultimatum to the government to respond by 4 pm on July 1.

Congress leader and AICC national secretary Prafulla Gudhade visited the protest site to express solidarity. “The Congress considers this a moral responsibility. We will raise this issue in Parliament and also bring it to the notice of Rahul Gandhi,” he told the students.

Students are demanding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor and action against university officials allegedly involved in an attack on students on June 10. If no satisfactory response is received by tomorrow evening, students have warned they will shut all four university gates on July 2.

Meanwhile, Dr Rajbir Garg, Director of Research and chairperson of the Coordination Committee, said the Vice-Chancellor had no direct role in matters such as scholarships or LDV (Land Donation) seat allotments, which fall under various university bodies and the Academic Council.

“A government-constituted committee is already looking into the students’ issues, and several meetings have been held,” Dr Garg said.

He warned, however, that external elements might be influencing the movement.

“The university has invited the students for open dialogue. These matters can be resolved only through mutual discussion,” he added.

Haryana Tribune