Pondicherry University Vice–Chancellor (in-charge) Anisha Basheer Khan was believed to have briefed the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Thursday about the University’s position on the recent controversial release of an annual magazine by the Students’ Council.
‘Widerstand,’ the magazine was stopped from circulation on the grounds of objectionable content within a day of its formal release.
According to sources, the discussion with the Lieutenant Government, who is also the Chief Rector of the university, was mostly centred on various activities at the University though the issue over the magazine, which was stopped for reportedly advocating campus resistance against oppression, including saffronisation of education, was also touched upon.
“This was primarily a routine meeting where a presentation was given on the activities of the University,” an official said.
Meanwhile, after an alleged confrontation between the opposing camps of students on Wednesday—those opposed to the objectionable and divisive content led by the ABVP and others advocating freedom of expression led by the Students Federation of India and the Ambedkar Students’ Union —the campus remained peaceful on Thursday.
Late night protest
Students affiliated to the SFI and Ambedkar Students Union took out a rally on Wednesday night and alleged that they were attacked by a section of students. Demanding action against the attackers, the students comprising girls held a protest before the gate of the university till midnight.
The university registrar and others held talks with them and they later dispersed. A complaint was lodged with the police.
The office-bearers of ABVP said they submitted a memorandum on Thursday to the Registrar-in-charge seeking action against those behind the compilation and release of a controversial magazine.
ABVP Pondicherry University Unit is demanding the immediate constitution of a search committee to find a new Vice Chancellor.
The ABVP also denied any role in the attack on students and condemned the incident.
ABVP office-bearers submit memorandum to Registrar-in-charge seeking action against those behind it
