M’garh varsity VC’s effigy burnt; dharna tomorrow

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Mahendragarh, September 24

The “negative” portrayal of Army personnel in a play staged at Central University of Haryana (CUH) in Jant-Pali village three days ago has flared tempers.

Representatives of students and social outfits took out a ‘shav yatra’ (funeral procession) of an effigy of CUH Vice-Chancellor Ramesh Chander Kuhad here today. They burnt the effigy at Azad Chowk after passing through markets.

“Army men are sacrificing their lives to protect the nation from terrorists. But the university is defaming them by portraying them as rapists,” said Ram Bhushan Sharma, district ABVP vice-president. He said the protesters demanded police action against those engaged in staging the play.

The protesters announced a daylong dharna outside the university on September 26. “The dharna will see an overwhelming response,” Sharma claimed, adding an 11-member committee had been constituted to keep the fire of protest burning. The play ‘Draupadi’ by Mahasweta Devi courted controversy because an actor presented figures about atrocities by Army men against tribal women. The play highlights the plight of tribals in 1970s.

The VC told The Tribune: “I have sought explanation from the Head of English Department and two conveners of the play. A committee has been formed to look into the matter. It will scan the recording of the play and submit its report.”