Shoaibur Rahman
After massive student protests and a hunger strike on campus, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has suspended the upcoming student union elections, which were scheduled for September 23, 2024.
The administration’s decision has triggered widespread outrage among students, who are demanding the removal of key officials over alleged mismanagement.
In response to the rising tensions, the university administration deployed heavy police forces on campus to quell the demonstrations.
The Azad National Students’ Association (ANSA) have criticized this move as an attempt to suppress students’ voices rather than addressing their legitimate concerns.
The protests, which began on September 19, focus on demands for the resignation of the Boys’ Hostel Provost, Girls’ Hostel Provost, and Proctor Prof. Abdul Azeem.
Students have raised serious concerns about poor living conditions in the hostels, corruption in the administration, and the handling of health insurance policies.
One of the main flashpoints is the unhygienic food being served in the hostel mess, with complaints of insects being discovered in meals.
Prof. Azeem is alleged to have made objectionable remarks when students raised these issues. He reportedly told them, “You poor people are asking for five-star facilities.” The students also claim that economically marginalized students have been unfairly fined, with penalties of up to Rs. 10,000 imposed on some.
The protesters are demanding the refund of unjust fines levied on students. Female students from the Girls’ Hostel have expressed their grievances, comparing their living conditions to being in a jail due to the restrictive policies imposed by the administration.
“The administration must promptly address the deteriorating conditions, resolve the challenges faced by students, and ensure the elections proceed as scheduled,” said Md. Adil, the presidential candidate from ANSA. “It’s crucial to hold the proctor accountable for their actions.”
ANSA and other student groups have also criticized the suspension of the elections, calling it an undemocratic move. They have urged the administration to reinstate the elections and remove the officials responsible for the crisis.
Despite the protests, the university has not yet responded to the students’ demands, and the situation on campus remains tense with the hunger strike continued.
