Jamia issues show-cause notices to students who organised cultural evening
A students’ body AIRSO Jamia has alleged online that the university administration has issued show-cause notices to several students who organised cultural evening at Gulistan-e-Ghalib, gate number 7 on October 20 at 4.30 pm. AIRSO Jamia has asked students to unite and “reject all the arbitrary show causes sent to the students.”
“The question of hostels, water and our democratic spaces is a basis democratic and human right. When the university is abrogating these rights, the students have right to dissent. But this case, by sending arbitrary show causes to students, the admin is destroying campus democracy,” it wrote.
It was not known how many students got the show-cause notices, a student aware of the development on the campus told the OT on the condition of anonymity that he knows about 8 such students as exact the number is not known to him.
In the notice issued dated October 26 and doing the rounds, it is mentioned: “…And whereas you along with some other students facilitated people to gather at Gulistan-e-Ghalib gate number 7 on October 20 at 4.30 pm in the name of cultural evening entitled Ekta Ka Diya. In this gathering, participants rather celebrating the festival gave political speeches and instigated students there.
“And whereas from the perusal of the content discussed in the name of cultural evening in the above gathering organised by you inside the campus at your end by reviving the sensitive issues, which is against the interest of the university in general.
“Take not that the above said unlawful act is in gross violation of the Jamia’s rules and regulations and viewed seriously by the Jamia authorities. Therefore, you are hereby directed to explain in writing as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against you. Your reply should reach the office of the undersigned by November 2 till 5 pm. In case you fail to submit the explanation within the stipulated time disciplinary action will be taken against you ex parte.”
The students who got the show-cause notices mostly belong to students’ organisations NSUI and SFI, said one student. The OT was unable to verify the claim from university Chief Proctor Atiqur Rahman as he declined to comment on the issue over phone. He neither confirmed it nor denied the development.
Reacting to the development, a student wrote online: “Has the Jamia administration lost its senses? This show cause notice is sent to me for facilitating people to take part in a cultural event called ‘Ekta Ka Diya’ organised to celebrate Diwali in Jamia. Administration says that there were speeches in the programme that put forward sensitive issues so that it could spoil the peaceful academic environment of Jamia.
“…This is a deliberate attempt to suppress those who raise voice for the student cause. Jamia administration should give an explanation on this.”
