NEW DELHI: Nine JNU students today called off their hunger strike against the alleged delay in justice to Rohith Vemula even as their counterparts from various universities across Delhi protested outside police headquarters the recent police action against demonstrators near RSS office, blocking traffic at ITO.
“We have been on a hunger strike in solidarity with the agitating students of Hyderabad University. Now that they have resumed their classes, we have also decided to call off the fast but our fight will continue,” said Mr Lenin, former president of JNU Students’ Union, who was among those on hunger strike.
The other group of students from universities across Delhi, including members of Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and Left-backed All India Students Association (AISA), staged a demonstration outside the police headquarters demanding action against the cops who assaulted the protesting students in front of RSS office.
A video of police thrashing a group of students with sticks and fists and dragging women by their hair outside RSS headquarters here during a protest over Dalit student Rohith Vemula’s suicide had triggered outrage with Congress and AAP seeking action against the erring cops.
“Government is not listening to our demands, police are attacking us. Where are we supposed to go? Hang ourselves like Rohith did and succumb to their atrocities?” said JNU Students’ Union Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora.
A KYS protester said, “The police commissioner needs to tell the country why cops behaved in this manner and on whose instructions they did so. They were so prompt in taking action against the students, why is the top cop not acting against his own policemen now?”
The protest by the students caused traffic jam near the busy ITO intersection.
The students alleged they were treated in a similar manner by police whenever they tried to stage any demonstration and raise their voice against any issue.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said he was ready to meet a delegation of students and address their concerns.
A three-member delegation from JNU Students’ Union later met SK Gautam, Joint Commissoner of Police (Central Range), who assured them of action.
PTI