Face off in AMU between BJP leaders, varsity members

Aligarh Muslim University Vice- Chancellor Lt Gen (Rtd) Zameer Uddin Shah on Tuesday sought to allay concerns arising from the simmering face off between local BJP leaders and members of the AMU community over the issue of the recent appointment of a riot accused BJP Lok Sabha member to the university court.

The AMU Vice Chancellor expressed hope that the controversy would soon dissipate.

“There has been a strong opposition against the inclusion of some MPs in the panel to the AMU Court, but despite such feelings they should not use derogatory language against anyone because it goes against AMU’s culture,” the VC told a news agency. Last week, the leaders of the AMU Students’ Union had announced that they would hold a protest if MP from Bijnor Bharatendra Kumar, whose name figures in the 2014 Muzaffarnagar riots, visits the AMU campus to attend a meeting of the university court, AMU’s highest governing body.

This implicit threat by the student leaders to oppose the entry of the MP at the annual general body meeting of the AMU court scheduled for February 21 drew a strong retort from the Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam, who issued a stern warning to the AMU authorities asking them to keep in check the leaders of the AMUSU and ensure they refrain from issuing such contentious statements.

authorities have stated that they have not received the letter issued two days ago.

“Earlier, you had assured us that the leaders of the AMUSU would not be permitted to indulge in such acrimonious language. But you have failed to do so. It is better if you function within the constraints of your office.