Mangaluru: NSUI issues apology after ABVP protests against internationally acclaimed historian
Mangaluru: The National Students Union of India (NSUI) organized a protest on Wednesday, paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1857 freedom struggle. This demonstration came in response to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's (ABVP) alleged insult towards internationally acclaimed historian and former Delhi University Professor, Shamsul Islam. Dr. Islam had arrived at the University College campus on Saturday to deliver the freedom fighter B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration.
Under the NSUI’s leadership, the students paid floral tributes to the first four incidents related to the first war of Independence of 1857 in Karnataka and the names of the 132 martyrs who lost their lives in those incidents in front of the gate of Mangalore University College, in the city’s Hampankatta.
Speaking on the occasion, NSUI District President Suhan Alva highlighted that Mangalore University is known for its own contributions. But recently when retired Delhi University professor and history expert Dr. Shamsul Islam arrived at the campus to conduct a B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration, the ABVP staged protests against him. He noted that, Dr. Islam's research and collection of information on the freedom fighters of 1857 aimed to raise awareness about these unsung heroes, but he found himself encircled and confronted by the ABVP. The NSUI condemned the ABVP's attempt to gherao him.
“The ABVP disrespected the martyrs of the freedom struggle by obstructing those who came to introduce freedom fighters who were not well-known to the common people. The ABVP insulted a historian who had come to Mangaluru with good intentions, however he carried a wrong opinion about the place. NSUI would like to apologize on behalf of the students for such an act.” Alva added.
Alva further stated that the “NSUI has already voiced concerns regarding the irregularities in the university, including the delayed payment of salaries to the teachers and non-teaching staff of Mangalore University. Local MLAs have interfered with and disrupted the Ganeshotsava, which has been celebrated at Mangalore University for a long time.” He stated that NSUI condemns the callous behavior of an elected representative.
Four events related to the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, and the names of 132 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in these events, were commemorated on a plaque unveiled by Dr. Shamsul Islam in the premises of Mangalore University College.
Although it was initially decided that students, under the leadership of NSUI, would pay tribute to the martyrs within the college premises, the students ended up paying their respects at the martyrs' plaque located in front of the college gate due to the denial of permission by the police.
Numerous student leaders including Siraj Mangaluru, Samarth Bhatt, Shaun Siri, Sukhwinder Singh, Shalvin, Azim, Steven, Rihan, and University student leaders Anas, Jamshid, Marzook, Marshad and others were present on this occasion.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
