ALIGARH VC ENDORSES DEMAND FOR JUDICIAL PROBE

ALIGARH: Tariq Mansoor, vicechancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), on Tuesday appealed to students to maintain calm even as he endorsed their demand for a judicial probe into the ruckus by Hindutva activists at the varsity gate on May 2 and the ensuing police action that left several students injured.

In an appeal to students, Mansoor said that they needed to focus on studies as examinations were around the corner. His request came on the day when students were planning to form a human chain — from the varsity campus to the camp office of the district magistrate — in the evening to press for their demands.

“I share the pain of our students and was anguished while visiting injured students admitted at JN Hospital,” said Mansoor. Along with his wife, he visited the varsity gate where students have been protesting since May 2.

Cautioning the students against allowing themselves to get provoked, Mansoor said, “Dear students, we should not fall into the trap of some forces that are bent on destroying the image of our alma mater and are playing with your bright future.”

“In no circumstances, students should let their studies suffer, especially at a time when exams are around the corner. I appeal to all students to maintain calm and focus on studies wholeheartedly, and do well in their careers,” he said.

Mansoor also said that AMU was passing through a difficult phase where “half-truths” were being propagated to create a negative image of the varsity.

“The assault on the university from different quarters calls for both a rational response and thoughtful action, without being swayed by emotions,” said Mansoor. He denounced the excessive use of force on AMU students that resulted in injuries to present and former office-bearers of the students’ union and others.