Explainer: Why KU move on gathering details of Muslim students triggered controversy

Amid the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kurukshetra and the main events of the International Gita Mahotsav, a decision to gather details of Muslim students residing on the Kurukshetra University campus has triggered an unwanted controversy.

While the authorities maintained that the university only followed the directions of the police department, in view of the security concerns, a section of academic community and student groups have termed the move as a direct attack on the democratic and secular character of universities.

Why is the Prime Minister visiting Kurukshetra?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra to attend an event marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and to perform ‘Maha Aarti’ at Brahma Sarovar on November 25. The PM will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various projects. It will the first time occasion when the Prime Minister will visit Kurukshetra to attend the International Gita Mahotsav celebrations.

What is the controversy about?

According to information, the Kurukshetra University’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) has sought updated residential and academic details of all Muslim students. In a message sent to department heads, the CSO wrote, “This is to inform that the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kurukshetra on November 25. In view of this event, the police department has requested necessary information related to Muslim students for maintaining security and operational coordination of the campus.” He cited a recent incident in which notes in a coded form were found on the university campus. The student was identified from the video footage. Since it was security matter related to the Prime Minister’s visit, the authorities do not want to take any chances.

What does the university say on the controversy?

The university has defended the move, saying that precautionary measures are being taken by the police after the recent incidents in the country. The university was only following the directions received from the police and civil administration since it was a matter related to the PM’s security.

What do faculty members and teachers’ association have to say about the decision?

Expressing discomfort, a senior professor said this was the first time students of a particular community were being singled out. Though it is a matter of PM’s security, such a thing should have been avoided. Dr Vikas Siwach, president of the Haryana Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation, also criticised the move and said it was understandable that there were security issues and precautions must be taken, but they shouldn’t have singled out the students of one community.

What is the student leaders’ take on this?

Students’ Federation of India (SFI) state president Akshay Mahla said obtaining personal information of only Muslim students can’t be justified. The move is clearly a conspiracy to target a particular community and create an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among them. SFI state secretary Sukhdev Bura said the action was not only unconstitutional, but also a blatant violation of fundamental rights. Identifying students of a particular religion in the name of security is blatant communal discrimination, he added.