Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Tension is running high at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) as students are pressing for the resignation of Sulaiman Hall Provost Professor Muhammad Rizwan Khan. The protests, which began at the gate of Sulaiman Hall reached Bab-e Syed, the university’s main entrance, where students staged a sit-in until late on Wednesday night.
The protesting students have been vocal about their grievances, listing several allegations against the provost. Key among their complaints is the delay in reopening the hall’s dining services following the summer vacation, reports reaching here said on Thursday.
Students also accuse the provost of doubling up single-seat rooms meant for senior students, thereby reducing their living space. Furthermore, the students allege a lack of interaction and engagement from Professor Khan, which they claim has exacerbated the situation.
“We are protesting against the tyranny of the hall provost and are demanding his resignation from the university administration,” stated one of the student protestors at Bab-e Syed. The protestors also accuse him of using intimidation tactics, including arriving with hockey sticks and speaking rudely to students when addressing some pressing issues.
During the past week alone, AMU has seen ten protest demonstrations across the campus, initiated by students and by university employees. The persistent demonstrations reflect the administration’s apparent leniency.
“We demand from the administration to replace the provost immediately,” said another student, reflecting the collective sentiment of the protestors.
Despite the intensity of the protests, university Proctor Professor Muhammad Waseem Ali reported that students dispersed from Bab-e Syed around 2 am after registering their grievances. He mentioned that a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor has been arranged to discuss the students’ concerns. “Talks are ongoing with the students. The provost has not yet resigned from his position,” Professor Ali confirmed.
The administration is now faced with the challenge of addressing the students’ demands while maintaining order on campus. The situation remains tense, and further developments are anticipated as discussions continue.