JNU deploys guards to thwart student union's boycott

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration deployed guards outside several schools on Monday to thwart the student union's call for boycotting lectures to oppose the mandatory attendance decision imposed recently.

The administration wrote to the campus security agency to deploy "enough number of security guards" to not let the striking students detain others from attending classes.

"The JNUSU (JNU Students' Union) has given a strike call on January 15. In past, during such events they have forcefully stopped the entry and exit of students and faculties to their respective classrooms and school building.

"Hence, you are instructed to deploy enough number of security guards (both male and female) so that entry of any of students and faculty may not be forcefully stopped by the strikers. You are further instructed to deploy some guards in civil dress and instruct them to videograph if any unruly situation arises," the Registrar's letter read.

JNUSU President Geeta Kumari told IANS that the strike went on successfully and peacefully and many students refused to attend the classes on their own.

"We stood outside the schools and asked students not attend the classes. Many students boycotted their lectures... There were no fights with the guards, but this was the first time that guards said that we will not allow the strike to happen.

"It appeared that they wanted some confrontation to happen because they were video recording us the entire time," she said.

The union also called for burning of the attendance circular and proposed gifting the Vice Chancellor "a pair of khaki pants for his unwavering loyalty towards the Sangh (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)".

--IANS

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