The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) had proposed to organise a book discussion on August 10 at 3:00 PM in JNU regarding Umar Khalid. Umar Khalid is an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. He also gained notoriety for his involvement in a 2016 JNU event where anti-national slogans were raised. Furthermore, his controversial statements on Kashmir have drawn widespread public criticism. ABVP JNU strongly opposed this attempt to build a narrative in his favour by organising an event on his book within the university campus.
As soon as the event poster surfaced, ABVP JNU raised the issue prominently across its social media platforms and demanded the immediate cancellation of the event from the university administration. Following persistent protests and efforts by ABVP JNU, the event was cancelled. ABVP JNU also condemned the administrative officials who initially granted permission for an event aimed at glorifying anti-national elements.
ABVP JNU President Mayank Panchal said, “The campus of JNU cannot become a platform for glorifying an individual who is an accused in cases related to serious anti-national activities and violence. We raised our voice against this programme and clearly conveyed our objections to the university administration. The cancellation of the programme is a victory for ABVP’s sustained efforts.”
ABVP JNU Secretary Praveen Piyush said, “ABVP has always stood firmly for the unity and integrity of the nation and will strongly oppose any attempt to normalise an anti-national mindset. ABVP JNU raised its voice firmly against this programme, and the programme has now been cancelled.”
