The University of Hyderabad Students’ Union, whose leaders are in the thick of the administration’s disciplinary action including suspension, police FIR and fines, on Wednesday condemned the university’s version to the press as “blatant lies” and a “cunning behaviour” to mislead students and dilute the movement.
The students who were suspended for six months and face police action include union president Ateeq Ahmed, members of the Students’ Federation of India Kripa Maria George, Asika V.M., Sohel Ahmed, and G. Mohit. Five others were imposed a fine of ₹10,000.
According to the said students and the unions, who addressed mediapersons here on Wednesday, the administration took to targeting minority student leaders using tactics of financial hardship and fellowship cuts to threaten their academic career.
In a point-by-point rebuttal of Registrar Devesh Nigam’s clarification, the students said the postponement of the annual cultural fest, Sukoon, by the university, was not for reasons of logistical challenges highlighted by the police, that the protest was held peacefully, and the reason for the students’ protest at 1 a.m.
They also alleged that the disciplinary action was not a result of due processes and consultation, but was by bypassing all protocols. They added that the administration’s actions were an attack on free speech and student activism.
On Wednesday, the students protested outside the administration building seeking immediate revocation of suspension.