Scuffle in second round of students’ agitation: Cops say they blocked small portion of protest site as precautionary measure

A group of students of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) resumed dharna at gate number four of the university on August 20 to press for their pending demands after their agitation ended on July 1. Five students even started an indefinite hunger strike. However, the police took precautions and parked their vehicles at the portion of the site so that the entire gate was not occupied by the protesters leaving just a small area for the students.

Why did the students of the HAU start a dharna at the university gate?

The students at the HAU started the dharna on August 20 because of long-pending demands that they said the administration had failed to fulfil these. They alleged that the administration did not form a committee to probe the Vice Chancellor, which was part of the agreement reached between the students and the district administration on July 1.

What exactly happened at the HAU on Thursday night?

The students sitting on dharna tried to install coolers at the protest site, where five students were already on a hunger strike. The police objected, saying no permanent arrangements were allowed. This led to an argument and later a scuffle when the police attempted to remove the demonstrators. The students alleged that two students — Yogesh Rana and Sunil — were injured. The police finally removed the students from the site at about 2 am.

How has the police defended their action?

The Hisar police spokesperson said the students were only permitted to protest for a few hours, but instead they tried to set up tents and coolers, blocking the university gate and causing inconvenience to the public. The spokesperson added that the police only removed the obstructions and did not stop the protest.

What are the students’ main demands?

The students demands included withdrawal of pending FIRs filed against them, formation of an independent committee to probe allegations against university administration. They also raised the demand to increase MBA scholarship from 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

What is the administration’s take on the students’ demands?

The administration said they had taken concrete steps as the students were given an official letter signed by the Deputy Commissioner and SP confirming that a committee would be chaired by the Hisar Divisional Commissioner. A meeting was scheduled for August 26, with university officials present. The names of Dr Samunder and Dr Bhim Singh Dahiya, suggested by the students, were under consideration for inclusion. On the withdrawal of FIRs, the authorities assured the students that the process had begun and action would follow soon. On the MBA scholarship increase, the administration said the matter was financial in nature and would be referred to a financial committee for necessary action.

What is the current status of the agitation?

While the police dispersed the students from the university gate on Friday night. The students were awaiting the August 26 meeting of the probe committee and official action on the FIR withdrawal.