Student body hits out at University of Mysore over ‘curbs’ on protests

All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has claimed that the University of Mysore (UoM) has reportedly resolved to restrict protests by students on its campuses, including Maharaja’s and Yuvaraja’s colleges, which are constituent colleges of the university.

The student body alleged that the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and attended by some police officers and university authorities.

“It has also been apparently conveyed that students should not protest over academic demands and should instead submit written memorandums. This decision by the university administration undermines democratic principles and is an attempt to take away the fundamental right of students to protest against any injustice,” a statement from AIDSO read.

“If the university’s decisions become “anti-student”, it becomes the responsibility of students to question them. Branding such questioning as “interference” and attacking students’ rights reflects the irresponsibility of the university administration. Whether students should submit memorandums or organise protests to voice their concerns is a decision that must rest with the students themselves. Moreover, involving the police in framing university regulations is not only anti-democratic but also contrary to the values upon which Manasagangothri has been established,” said Nithin, district secretary, AIDSO.

In the statement, AIDSO also claimed that there is a shortage of toilets, drinking water facilities, and lecturers at Maharaja’s and Yuvaraja’s colleges. Similarly, in Manasagangothri, students are facing hostel-related issues and a lack of basic amenities. A memorandum highlighting these issues was submitted three months ago, yet none of the problems have been addressed so far. “Instead of ensuring the students’ welfare, the university administration is attempting to suppress students’ movements by imposing restrictions on protests. This is condemnable,” he stated.

The AIDSO Mysuru district committee demanded immediate withdrawal of the restrictions from all UoM campuses.