United in protest: JNUSU, ABVP strike against rustication of students
The JNU Students’ Union and ABVP are on an indefinite hunger strike to protest against the rustication of students
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The Jawaharlal Nehru University turned into an ideological battlefield after Kanhaiya Kumar and 19 other students were punished by a high-level committee in connection with the controversial 9 February event. The students began an indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday to demand revocation of the punitive action. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
Along with other students, five members of ABVP – BJP's student wing – are also on hunger strike since Tuesday demanding withdrawal of punishment orders for Saurabh Sharma, the JNUSU secretary and the lone ABVP member in JNU Students’ Union. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
"We had no faith in the probe committee. The inquiry was a sham and students have rejected it in our general body meeting. We will not abide by the punishment given to us," JNUSU General Secretary Rama Naga said. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
While JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar has been slapped with a penalty of Rs 10,000 on grounds of "indiscipline and misconduct", Umar Khalid (in picture), Anirban Bhattacharya and Kashmiri student Mujeeb Gatoo have been rusticated. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
ABVP member Saurabh Sharma, (in saffron kurta) who was the complainant in the case lodged over the event, has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 10,000 for blocking traffic. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
Members of ABVP have alleged that JNU has failed to distinguish between nationalists and anti-nationals while deciding the punishment and has "criminalised" patriotism. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost
The university officials, however, maintained that the decision has been made after thorough investigation by a five-member probe panel and the punishments have been announced in accordance with the varsity norms. Naresh Sharma/Firstpost