Haryana Agricultural University Protest: Students Refuse to Budge on Vice-Chancellor's Sacking Even During Govt Talks

A state government-appointed committee on Sunday held talks with the agitating students of Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, but the students remained firm on the removal of the varsity's vice-chancellor.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini formed a four-member committee on Friday to deal with HAU students, who have been demonstrating for the past fortnight against their alleged thrashing by varsity security staff while being put under dharna against changes in scholarship guidelines for post-graduate students.

The committee members include Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar.

The committee has negotiated with the protesting students over the last two days, meeting them four times in discussion on their varied demands.

Dhanda, who had met the media in Hisar on Sunday, said that the students' demand for the ouster of Vice-Chancellor B R Kamboj was not included in their main demands but had been suggested just in recent days.

He also blamed the opposition parties for trying to incite the protest of the students.

The opposition parties like the Congress, JJP and INLD have extended their support to the agitating students.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Provides Support To The Students

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, on last Tuesday, provided support to the students and spoke to them via video call.

"There was no demand for the VC's removal when this dharna started. We know where this demand was raised," Dhanda said, talking of the opposition role behind the demand.

"Most of their demands have been accepted, but the students have stuck to the 'immediate removal of the VC' demand," the minister added.

"While negotiating, the students have shown that they are afraid of the VC and are threatened. We do not understand what they have to be afraid of," Dhanda said.

The protesting students have accused the VC of "brutal suppression" and "rights suppression," accusing him of giving lathicharge orders against HAU students.

The students have also warned that if Kamboj was not removed from the office, it would hamper an unbiased investigation.

Replying to a question, Dhanda said, "Our doors are open for the students round-the-clock. They are like our children. We are not talking to them as government representatives, but as their guardians." "We listened to each student with patience," he added.