JNU bars 8 students from academic activities

As many as eight students have been debarred from academic activities by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) pending a disciplinary enquiry into an event at insitute against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

The students who have been debarred based on the interim report of the “disciplinary” committee, which was instituted earlier this week to probe the involvement of students in the event, will be allowed to stay in their respective hostels to enable them to represent their stand for a fair investigation. The university, however, did not identify the eight students.

“Considering the seriousness of the incidents, and in order to enable a fair enquiry, the committee has debarred the eight students from academic activities with immediate effect during the pendency of the enquiry. However, to permit them to represent their stand for a fair investigation, they will be allowed to stay in their respective hostels as a guest, during the period of the enquiry,” JNU vice-chancellor Jagdeesh Kumar said.

The university also issued a statement saying: “The enquiry committee appointed by the VC met on Thursday and Friday to finalise the interim report and has recommended the action.”

“The recommendations are being implemented. The authorities request everyone to help maintain peace and academic atmosphere on campus and avoid any external interference in vitiating the atmosphere,” it added.

When asked about who these students are, the VC said, “It is in the best interest of the students that their identity should be protected.” The committee is examining the evidence and witnesses and is expected to come up with its report in two weeks.