Administration accused of repression, urged open dialogue and accountability to protect the institution’s educational heritage
ALIGARH – Students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are demanding immediate action after police entered the campus during a protest against a recent fee hike, leading to heated exchanges and allegations of misbehaviour with students, including girl students.
Prominent social worker Rashid Shaz criticised the administration in an open letter to the Aligarh community, accusing them of turning to “repression instead of dialogue.” He described the decision to call police during the protest as “a surrender in our own internal fight,” warning that such actions undermine AMU’s long-standing values.
“These circumstances show that we have failed to solve our own issues,” Shaz said. “If this is the case, then we are not eligible to be teachers. Police brutality against students is a violation of democratic rights.”
Shaz stressed that peaceful student protests are an important part of education and must be respected. He also condemned the alleged misbehaviour with female students, calling it “very serious and shameful” and demanding action with “full moral responsibility.”
According to him, the police should be brought into the campus only when the situation is truly dangerous to life and safety. “The channels of communication with students should always be open,” he urged. “It is necessary to respond to those who adopt oppression and force.”
AMU has been a leading centre of learning for about 150 years, and Shaz warned that its rich history, built by generations, must be protected from harm.
The Old Boys Alumni Association also held an emergency meeting over the incident. Members condemned the events of Friday, accusing the proctor team of creating the current unrest. They appealed to Vice Chancellor Naima Khatoon to control the proctorial staff and address the “legitimate demands of the students.”
In their statement, the alumni emphasised that the university administration must act with wisdom and fairness. “The Vice Chancellor must protect AMU’s dignity and listen to its students,” the association said. “This institution’s legacy cannot be allowed to suffer because of poor decisions and heavy-handedness.”
The protests have highlighted growing anger among students over rising fees and the handling of campus grievances. Many in the AMU community fear that if the administration continues on this path, it could damage the reputation and spirit of the institution.
