JNU Administration Responds to Controversial Slogans During Student Protest
JNU Takes Action Against Provocative Slogans
The administration of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has expressed serious concern regarding videos circulating on social media that depict students chanting slogans during a protest on campus on Monday evening. In an official statement, the university noted that a group of students affiliated with the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) engaged in highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory chanting, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
University's Stance on Democratic Disagreement
The JNU administration emphasized that the competent authority has taken the incident seriously and has instructed the university's security branch to collaborate with the police in the ongoing investigation. The statement highlighted that such chanting does not align with democratic dissent, violates the JNU code of conduct, and poses a significant threat to public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of both the university and the nation.
Call for Peace and Warning of Consequences
The statement further indicated that this act reflects a deliberate disregard for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic dialogue. It is crucial to distinguish between dissent that could lead to public disorder and hate speech. The administration urged all stakeholders to refrain from such activities and assist in maintaining peace and harmony on campus, warning that strict action would be taken in accordance with regulations in the event of any future incidents.
Findings from Security Officer's Report
A report submitted by the chief security officer to the proctor concluded that the offensive slogans chanted earlier this week were part of a deliberate and calculated conspiracy, rather than a spontaneous expression. The report noted that the chanting began following the Supreme Court's rejection of bail petitions for former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.