Students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad continued their protest for the third straight day on Thursday, demanding the immediate restoration of Students Union elections, which have not been held for more than one and a half years.
The protest began on January 27 after repeated representations and memorandums submitted to the university administration failed to yield any concrete response. Students had formally announced the agitation a day earlier on January 26.
Soon after the announcement, the university administration issued a notice warning students against taking part in protests or strikes. The notice cautioned that disciplinary action, including expulsion and the registration of FIRs, could be initiated against those involved in activities considered disruptive. Despite the warning, students went ahead with a peaceful sit in outside the administrative building, which has continued uninterrupted.
Student leader and PhD scholar Swaleh Ansari said that the Proctor and the Dean of Students Welfare met the protesting students, but no written assurance was given. “We once again submitted our demand for an immediate notification for Students Union elections. Instead of issuing anything in writing, the administration only gave a verbal assurance that elections may be held in the next academic session, subject to what they call a peaceful environment,” he said.
Questioning the administration’s stand, Ansari added, “Our basic question remains unanswered. When elections for teachers and employees associations are held regularly, why are Students Union elections being denied? We will continue our peaceful protest and will not move until the elections are restored.”
Students from the Law School and the School of Education also joined the agitation, extending solidarity with the protesters. They marched from their respective schools to the protest site and participated in the demonstration.
Law student Abdullah Ansari said the protest was within constitutional limits. “The Black Coat March is a lawful, peaceful and constitutional form of student expression. Taking part in a non-violent democratic protest cannot be treated as misconduct, and law students will assert their rights with discipline and dignity,” he said.
Another law student, Bilal Pasha, said the movement was not against the institution. “MANUU Law School stands with the University, not against it. This march reflects our commitment to democratic values, student representation and accountable governance within the constitutional framework,” he said.
As part of the protest, students also organised a resistance poetry recitation at the site, highlighting the cultural and democratic spirit of the movement.
The statement was issued by the MANUU Students Collective.
