Protests at HAU: Students Demand Vice Chancellor's Removal

Chandigarh, June 23 (PTI): A committee established by the state government recently engaged in discussions with the protesting students of Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar. However, the students continue to insist on the removal of Vice Chancellor B R Kamboj. The protests have been ongoing for the past two weeks following an alleged assault by university security guards during a demonstration against modifications to scholarship rules for post-graduate students.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini formed a four-member committee on Friday specifically to address the students' concerns. The committee includes Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar. Over the last two days, the committee has conducted four rounds of talks with the students to discuss their various demands.

Speaking to reporters in Hisar on Sunday, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda mentioned that the students' demand for the removal of the Vice Chancellor had only emerged recently and was not initially one of their primary demands. He also accused opposition parties of exacerbating the protests. Parties such as Congress, JJP, and INLD have voiced their support for the students. Last Tuesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended his support to the students through a video call.

"When this dharna started, there was no demand to remove the VC. We all know from where this demand came," Dhanda remarked, hinting at the opposition's influence. "Most of their demands have been agreed to, but the students have stuck to the demand for the immediate removal of the VC," he added.

According to Dhanda, the students expressed fear and threatened repercussions from the Vice Chancellor. "During the talks, the students said they are afraid of the VC and feel threatened. We cannot understand what they have to fear," Dhanda mentioned. The protesting students have accused the VC of "brutal repression" and "suppression of rights," alleging that he ordered a lathicharge on them. They warned that Kamboj's continued presence could hinder a fair inquiry.

Dhanda assured, "Our doors are open for the students round the clock. They are like our children. We are not talking to them as government representatives, but as their guardians. We listened to each student with patience," he added.