HAU row: Haryana Govt forms four-member panel as students launch outreach drive

Ten days into the student protest at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, the Haryana Government on Friday formed a four-member committee to engage with agitating students. The move comes as the students launched a statewide outreach campaign ahead of a planned Student Mahapanchayat on June 24.

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Appeal from university officials

Dr Rajbir Garg, Research Director and chairperson of the Coordination Committee at CCS HAU, urged students to focus on academics. “Students have a fundamental right to appear for exams. Preventing or forcing any student is illegal. We urge students and the administration to resolve issues through dialogue,” he said. He noted that 193 students appeared for exams on Friday.

The Haryana Agricultural University Teachers Association, led by president Dr Ashok Kumar Godara and former president Dr Amarjeet Kalra, also appealed to students to call off the protest, saying the university has accepted their demands and that they should return to their studies.

The government-appointed committee includes Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Bedi and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar. The panel will meet students, hear their concerns and work towards an amicable resolution.

The protest began on June 10 after students demanding scholarship stipends were allegedly assaulted by university security personnel and a few professors. Two students — Deepanshu and Chakshu — suffered serious head injuries, sparking a sit-in at Gate No. 4 of the campus.

Support for the students has snowballed, drawing backing from students of other universities, farmer unions, Opposition parties, the local Bar association and civil society groups. Their primary demands include the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation and legal action — including charges of attempted murder — against those involved in the violence.

Student leader Mohit Manderna, part of the protest organising committee, welcomed the government’s decision but remained firm on core demands. “It is a positive step that the government formed a committee to talk to us. We are ready for dialogue, but our demands are firm,” he told The Tribune.

In preparation for the June 24 Mahapanchayat, students have launched a Jansampark Abhiyan, sending 50-60 teams across Haryana’s villages and educational institutions to mobilise support. “We have visited dozens of villages in Hisar district alone, informing people about the violence and demanding justice,” said Manderna.

On Friday, 10 students, including five boys and five girls, were on hunger strike. Protesters clarified they are not obstructing exams and are allowing others to appear for them.

Deepanshu, one of the injured students, accused the Vice-Chancellor of insensitivity and a lack of accountability. “He has not shown any humanity and should be removed immediately,” he said.

Students also alleged intimidation tactics, including phone calls to their families and threatening emails, aimed at ending the protest. “The Vice-Chancellor is trying to suppress democracy and silence our voices,” they claimed.

Friday also saw a show of solidarity from members of various farmer organisations and the Hisar Bar Association, who promised free legal aid and full support to the students.