Serious cognisance taken over videos of protesters raising objectionable slogans: JNU
New Delhi (PTI): The Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday said it had taken serious cognisance of videos from a protest in which the students’ union raised "highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory" slogans, asserting that such actions demonstrate a “wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions".
The university has also requested police to register an FIR after slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were raised during a programme on Monday night.
The JNU administration, in a letter addressed to the SHO of Vasant Kunj (North), said a programme, "A Night of Resistance with Guerrilla Dhaba," was organised around 10 pm by students linked to the JNUSU.
The gathering initially appeared limited to commemorating the January 5, 2020 incident, with around 30 to 35 students present. However, the nature of the event changed following a judicial verdict on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, after which some participants allegedly raised "inflammatory and objectionable" slogans, it read.
"Such act reflects a wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic discourse. All stakeholders must understand the clear distinction between dissent, abuse and hate speech which leads to public disorder," the statement issued by university registrar said.
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In its letter to the Delhi Police, the university states that certain students raised "highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory" slogans and are in direct contempt of the Supreme Court.
The university urged the stakeholders to desist from indulging in any "such unwarranted activities" and cooperate in maintaining peace and harmony on the campus failing which strict action will be taken as per rules.
"JNU administration has taken very serious cognisance of the videos being circulated of the protest organised at Sabarmati premises yesterday (Monday) wherein a group of students from JNUSU raised highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans," the statement read.
"The Competent Authority has taken serious note of the incident and Security Branch has been asked cooperate with the police in the investigation," it added.
Noting that the raising of such slogans is "wholly inconsistent with democratic dissent, violates the JNU Code of Conduct", the statement said such slogans have the "potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of the university and the nation".
A purported video of the incident has also surfaced online.
The university has named several students, including current JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, and said they were identified during the programme and argued that the slogans were "deliberate", "repeated" and had the "potential to seriously disrupt public order, campus harmony and security".
Security officials were present on site and monitored the situation, the letter added.
The chief security officer has requested police to register an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to the letter.
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Delhi demolition drive violence: Portion of mosque's property razed, claims Owaisi
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (PTI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged that a portion of a Waqf-owned property of a mosque in Delhi was demolished and blamed the "black" Waqf (amendment) Act.
An anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday triggered violence as many people hurled stones at police personnel amid a social media post claiming that the mosque, opposite the Turkman Gate, was being demolished.
Five police personnel were injured in stone pelting, prompting the police to lob tear gas shells.
"At 1:30 AM, the property of a mosque near Turkaman Gate was razed. It is a Waqf property as per a gazette notification of 1970. The demolition drive is just the beginning after passing the Waqf Act in Parliament. People should understand the happenings in the country and give a strong message to the ruling parties through their votes," Owaisi said while addressing a rally for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar civic polls.
He alleged that the Delhi High Court had passed an incorrect order despite a Gazette notification issued in 1970 declaring the property as Waqf land.
"The High Court decided the title of the mosque when it had no right to do so. The Delhi Waqf Board also failed to take appropriate legal action by not filing a review petition," he said, adding that the matter would now be taken to the Supreme Court.
Owaisi further alleged that the Waqf Act, which he termed a "black law," was being used to seize Muslim religious properties.
"This law was made by PM Narendra Modi with the support of Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Chandrababu Naidu. It is being used to snatch our mosques and graveyards. What happened in Delhi is only the beginning," he said.
He appealed to voters in Maharashtra to oppose Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar in the upcoming local body elections.
"People must vote against those responsible for this Act and stand with AIMIM if they want to protect their religious places," he said.
Speaking about constitutional values, Owaisi said the Preamble of the Constitution begins with “We, the people” and not “Bharat Mata.” Referring to the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament, he said no one spoke about Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on freedom of thought, faith, expression, and religion.
He also said that the preamble of our constitution starts with 'we the people' and not Bharat Mata.
Referring to the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament, he said no one spoke about Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on freedom of thought, faith, expression, and religion.
"Ambedkar wrote that this country belongs to everyone, but nobody stood up to say that," Owaisi said.
He also said that the Constitution permits Muslims to worship Allah.
"No Muslim MP said this in Parliament, but I did. I said we will say only ‘La ilaha illallah’. Others bowed their heads, but I did not compromise with the fundamentals of my religion or the Constitution," he added.
Maharashtra AIMIM president Imtiaz Jaleel, who also addressed the rally, said the party lost the previous Lok Sabha elections due to internal divisions.
"The same group is active again in the municipal elections. This time, we are fighting on two fronts — against our political opponents and against people from our own side," he said.
Referring to the recent attack on his car, Jaleel said, AIMIM would not be intimidated.
"Those involved in illegal businesses think they can scare us, but we completed the rally. The police must take action, and we are closely watching the case. We will not be afraid of those who have illegal businesses," he said.
Owaisi also commented on the incident, demanding strict action against those involved.
"I will visit that area in the next few days. I am not afraid. I always go where people challenge me,” he said.
