Against Encroachment on the JNUSU Office

We the undersigned express our deep anguish and pain over the decision of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Administration which has put restrictions on the use of the JNU Studentsв Union (JNUSU) office by the students. It has been reported that the JNUSU Office has been locked and students would have to seek formal permission Вto use the premises from now on. The reason which has been given for this decision is the absence of an elected JNU Studentsв Union.

JNU Studentsв Union has played a pivotal role in evolving JNU as a progressive institution of learning. The unfortunate stay on the JNUSU elections for the last three years has been detrimental to the interests of not only the students but the institution as a whole. It is a matter of utmost concern and importance that the JNUSU Elections are restored at the earliest.

It was heartening to see that as soon as he joined, the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof S K Sapory had assured all possible support to restore the JNUSU Election in its previous form. In such a backdrop, the move to close down the JNUSU Office has come as a completely unexpected step from the University Administration. Such acts also vitiate the goodwill which the Vice Chancellor had created with his initial remarks.

The JNUSU Office is a symbol of the JNU studentsв movement and belongs to all the students of the university. In keeping with the democratic traditions of the JNUSU,В it has been open to all students, irrespective of political affiliations and ideologies. There is no reason why restrictions should be imposed on such a democratic space. At a time when students have been bereft of their agency of struggle, an elected JNUSU, such an attempt can only be looked upon as authoritarian and deeply undemocratic in nature.

We stand in solidarity with the demand of removing the restrictions on the use of JNUSU Office and restoring status quo ante. We hope that the University Administration would see reason and withdraw its decision putting restrictions on the use of JNUSU Office.