Affidavit row: PU students start indefinite stir in front of VC office

Students of Panjab University (PU) today launched an indefinite protest in front of the office of Vice Chancellor against the controversial affidavit imposed by the university administration.

The affidavit, introduced earlier this year, sought to curb students’ democratic right to protest by forcing them to sign a declaration restricting their participation in demonstrations and public expression, claimed the protesters.

Representatives of various student bodies, students and members of the Panjab University Campus Students Council, who took part in the protest, strongly condemned the university’s alleged attempt to silence dissent and undermine rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

“The administration wants to brand students as criminals for raising their voice. We are here to make it clear that students are not criminals; they are the conscience of the campus and have every right to protest peacefully,” said a protester.

The students recalled that despite multiple representations and protests by them, the university continued with the affidavit policy. “Though a case is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the university’s lack of response and continued enforcement of the affidavit compelled students to resort to protest once again,” said another protester.

The protesting students have announced that the sit-in will continue indefinitely until the university officially withdraws the affidavit and restores students’ democratic rights on the campus. They also appealed to the wider academic and political community to take cognisance of the situation and intervene to safeguard the democratic ethos of one of India’s premier universities.