WATCH: Pune University Students Block Vice-Chancellor's Car, Demand Withdrawal Of Protest Circular
Pune: Tensions escalated at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Wednesday after student organisations staged a sit-in protest and blocked Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi's vehicle, alleging that the university administration had failed to address their concerns over a circular restricting protests on campus. The protest followed a meeting of the university's Management Council, which did not…
On Wednesday, tensions rose at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) after student organizations blocked Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi's car, demanding the withdrawal of a university circular that limited protests on campus. The protest occurred following a Management Council meeting that did not decide to retract the circular, which restricts demonstrations to matters directly affecting the university and its students.
Several student groups argued that the circular infringed upon their constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
Following the meeting, student representatives approached council members Dr Devidas Vayandande, Dr Dhondiram Pawar, and officiating Registrar Dr Praful Pawar, seeking answers regarding the lack of a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor. They also questioned the approval given to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to march through the campus.
Students accused the administration of not offering satisfactory explanations and alleged police violence against protesters, including women, as they attempted to question the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar.
In response, the university stated that the circular was not aimed at suppressing students' freedom of expression. Officials assured that they would consider protest permit requests favorably while prioritizing security, especially at main entrances. However, the university's statement did little to quell the students' anger.
Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students' Struggle Action Committee, denounced the administration's handling of the situation, accusing it of failing to address student concerns, breaking promises, and repressing protesters. NSUI president and advocate Abhijit Gore Deshmukh emphasized that the protest was not just about the circular but a broader fight for democracy and student rights. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular or the agitation would escalate.
Pune National Students' Union of India (NSUI) president and lawyer Abhijit Gore Deshmukh reiterated the need for the circular's immediate withdrawal, otherwise, the protest would intensify. Pune City president of the Republican Students Army, Hansraj Khune, further criticized the administration, threatening more aggressive protests if the Vice-Chancellor's resignation was not demanded.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
