Jinnah portrait a non-issue, says AMU VC
New Delhi, May 9: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor on Wednesday described as "a non-issue" the Jinnah portrait in the AMU, saying it also existed in the Bombay High Court and Sabarmati Ashram.
"No one was worried about the portrait until now. I think it is a non-issue. The student agitation had no relation to the Jinnah portrait row, they were protesting against the people who came to the AMU to disturb peace on May 2," he told the media.
Mansoor spoke after meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over engaging youths in paramilitary forces.
"I met Rajnath Singh over recruitment of students in central forces like the CRPF and CISF. It was a pre-scheduled meeting. It had no relation to the Jinnah portrait row," he said.
Mansoor said the Minister assured him he would send officers from paramilitary forces to interact with the AMU students and motivate them to join central forces.
In his over half hour meeting, informed sources said, Mansoor also briefed Rajnath Singh about the current situation in the AMU.
On the demand to remove a portrait of Mohammad Ali Jinnah from an AMU hall, Mansoor said the portrait had been in the university since 1938 and it was put up at many places including the Bombay High Court and Sabarmati Ashram.
"We have already demanded a judicial inquiry into the issue."
On Tuesday, the VC urged the students protesting over the Jinnah portrait row to not let their studies suffer due to the unrest in the varsity.
Through a letter, he appealed to the students "not to fall into the trap of certain forces which are bent upon destroying the image of our alma mater and are playing with your bright future.
"Under no circumstances should you let your studies suffer, especially when your exams are just round the corner."
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Ex-army chief Naravane backs RSS leader's remarks on dialogue with Pakistan
Mumbai (PTI): Former army chief Gen (retd) Manoj Naravane on Wednesday supported RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale's stand on the desirability of willingness to have a dialogue with Pakistan, stating that friendship between the two peoples can lead to better bilateral relations.
"Common people live on both sides of the border, with common problems of 'roti, kapda and makan (food, clothing and shelter). Common man has nothing to do with politics. When there is friendship between the two peoples, there will also be friendship between the two nations," Naravane told PTI on the sidelines of an event here.
"It is a right thing. People-to-people contact is important," he added.
People-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue, Hosabale said in an interview to PTI Videos on Tuesday. Pakistan's military and political leadership have lost India's confidence and it is time for civil society to lead the way, the RSS leader said.
Naravane said there should be a people-to-people connect between the two countries, be it through 'track two' diplomacy or even a sporting event.
"Even our people should know that those staying across the border are not sworn enemies," the former army chief said.
"Disputes should be resolved through discussion, but this does not mean we cannot use military force. India is a country that speaks the language of peace but we will not hesitate to use force if needed," Naravane added.
VIDEO | Mumbai: On RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating window of dialogue with Pakistan to be kept open, Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane (@ManojNaravane) says, “One important point is that people-to-people connections and contacts are extremely important. Ordinary people… pic.twitter.com/3pMmvynm43
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 13, 2026
