Demand for Probe into ABVP's Threats to Educational Institutions

Academic experts and members of civil society have demanded an investigation into frequent incidents of vandalism in educational institutions by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the threats posed to academic freedom. A delegation led by Professor Mohan Rao, Dr. Mary John, and P. Rohini Rajshekhar submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Priyanka Khadge regarding this matter.

The letter highlights various incidents. In February, vandalism was carried out by the ABVP at Azim Premji University to stop a student group from organising an internal discussion on the 1991 Kunan-Poshpora atrocities. Subsequently, in April, a discussion on the book 'Umar Khalid and His World' at the Bengaluru International Centre was attacked by the BJP and its affiliated organisations.

In September, the NLSIU institution was forced to cancel a screening of a documentary on Umar Khalid made by renowned filmmaker Lalit Vachani. Additionally, in September, a programme titled 'Gender Politics and the Media in the Fight for Equality' at Mount Carmel College (Deemed University) was also cancelled. This event was called off following threats from the ABVP over the invitation extended to a speaker associated with Spark Magazine.

Academic experts have opined that these challenges have created serious risks for the democratic space within higher education institutions. These institutions are already in crisis, and due to these incidents, the fundamental right of students to express dissent and ask questions, as well as the democratic space, is continuously shrinking.

The delegation praised the government's decision to lift the 37-year ban on student union elections. However, they requested the Home Minister to use her powers to take appropriate measures to maintain democratic freedom and remove fear from academic spheres.