The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government has promised `people’s regime’, where every one is free to protect or express their views. But contrary to its claims, the historical Osmania University has imposed ban on any type of protests or agitations in its campus.
On Saturday, OU top officials issued orders banning all kinds of dharnas and protests in the university. Student union leaders and academicians are outraged by this decision of the university authorities. The circular was issued by the University Registrar, Professor Naresh Reddy, prohibiting agitations, dharnas and demonstrations in Osmania University, its departments, colleges, centres and administrative buildings.
He said that the decision was taken as the protests had a negative impact on the functioning of the university and could delay the progress of administration and education. He said that security issues had also arisen in some cases. The order stated that unauthorized entry into university buildings, dharnas, agitations and demonstrations, and using objectionable language against university employees and officials have been completely prohibited.
He warned that strict legal action would be taken against students involved in such actions. He suggested that if the university students have any complaints, they can be resolved by contacting the relevant authorities. It may be recalled that Osmania University has been playing an effective opposition role since its inception.
The university has been the venue for many social, political and public movements including the Vande Mataram movement. It also became the heart of the movement for the formation of a separate Telangana state. No matter what government is in power, the autonomy and freedom of universities have not been affected. But the Revanth Reddy government has now opened the door to conspiracies to suppress the voices of the university.
Teacher and student organizations are of the opinion that there is a need for student and public organizations to condemn this with open arms. They are demanding that this attempt to suppress the voices of students be stopped and the circular be withdrawn immediately. Osmania University has made it clear that it will never bow to undemocratic and dictatorial orders.
“It is everyone’s democratic right to protest peacefully. OUTA strongly opposes this. Anyone can protest peacefully within limits. Even a separate Telangana state was created through agitations. Blocking it is a dictatorship. This circular should be withdrawn immediately. Protesting is the fundamental right of the unions. No one has the authority to block it,” said Osmania University Teachers’ Association (AUTA) President Professor Manohar.
“It is shameful for the OU VC to take such a decision. It is shameful to issue orders violating the rights of students. It should be withdrawn immediately. Efforts should be made to provide quality food and hostel accommodation in the university, but the rights of students should not be violated,” ABVP State Joint Secretary Aliveli Raju expressed his anger.
BRS executive president KT Rama Rao lamented that issuing orders banning student protests on the Osmania University campus is a murder of democracy. He deplored the Chief Minister, who said that democratic governance would be provided as the seventh guarantee, that imposing an iron fist on the protests was the most evil act.
