Aligarh: Civil society comes out strongly in support of AMU students

The agitation of Aligarh Muslim University students against the discriminatory attitude of the police and demanding strict action against those accused of assaulting former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari has intensified.

A team of 25 lawyers reached Aligarh in support of the students’ agitation on Sunday. Local residents of Aligarh came out in support of the agitating students in large numbers on Sunday. AMU alumni, many of whom have now settled abroad, have been writing to their respective Indian embassies; some have also travelled to the university.

Kamran, who is associated with the agitation, said if the administration does not accept the demand for strict action against the accused and proper filing of FIR by Monday, then the agitation will further escalate.

Meanwhile, reports are that the workers of radical Hindu outfits such as Bajrang Dal and Hindu Yuva Vahini gheraoed the office of the district magistrate of Aligarh. They want to replace the portrait of Mohammed Ali Jinnah in the campus with one of Raja Mahendra Pratap. As this was not permitted by the administration, these workers allegedly created a ruckus.

AMU exams postponed

Aligarh Muslim University on Sunday postponed all examinations amid the prevailing tension within the campus over the portrait of Jinnah. A university spokesperson said the examinations of the 2017-18 session will now commence from May 12, with no further postponements. The decision was taken in a consultative meeting with University Vice Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor, Deans of various faculties and Principals of all colleges. A 16-member coordination committee was also formed to look at the prevailing situation and to maintain peace.

With IANS inputs