JNU cancels talks on Ayodhya issue for peace on campus

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 6

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) today cancelled all events on campus on the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, including those discussing the “Ram janmabhoomi movement”.

Several student groups, such as the ultra Left and Birsa Ambedkar Phule Student Association (BAPSA) and the RSS-leaning Vivekananda Vichar Manch, had planned discussions at various hostels and Ganga dhaba surrounding the issue.

However, the varsity administration cancelled all such programmes, including the talks by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and CPIM’s Prakash Karat on the Ayodhya issue to “maintain communal harmony and peace” on the campus. The two leaders besides several activists and professors were to address students separately in two hostels later tonight.

“The competent authority has cancelled public lectures/talks on the issues of Ram janmbhoomi and Babri Masjid on December 6 in order to maintain communal harmony, peace and stability on campus,” read a notification signed by the Dean of Students, JNU.

“Academic discussion on various themes is always permitted that contribute to knowledge enhancement and social order,” the varsity added.

The senior BJP leader was to speak on the topic “Why Ram Mandir in Ayodhya?” in Koyna Hostel at 9.30 pm, and Karat was supposed to address on “Reclaiming the Republic” in a programme organised by the JNU Students' Union at Sabarmati Hostel at 9 pm.

Swamy’s talk was organised by the Vivekananda Vichar Manch. One of the organisers, Onkar said they got the notice yesterday from the administration stating that all events stand cancelled for maintaining communal harmony and peace.

On the issue, Karat termed the JNU’s move “undemocratic” and not in keeping with its traditions while Swamy through his Twitter account communicated his distaste over the decision.

“JNU hypocrisy. Allowed terrorist Afzal Guru's death anniversary! Cancelled talk on RamMandir By Dr Swamy (sic),” Swamy had retweeted a post.

The JNU Teachers' Association, too, condemned this move calling it “undemocratic".