Academics and activists demand probe into ABVP threats to academic freedom
A delegation led by Prof. Mohan Rao and others has petitioned Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding instances of vandalism and event cancellations.
A group of academics and civil society activists has requested a probe into the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for repeated vandalism, according to The Hindu.
The delegation, which includes Prof. Mohan Rao, Dr. Mary John, and P.
Rohini Rajasekaran, submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding threats to colleges.
The memorandum cites several incidents, including the vandalism of Azim Premji University in February to stop a discussion on the 1991 Kunan-Poshpora outrage.
Other mentioned incidents include an April attack on a book discussion at the Bengaluru International Centre and the September cancellation of a documentary screening at NLSIU.
The group also noted that an event titled “Gender Politics and the Media in the Fight for Equality” at Mount Carmel College was recently called off following an ABVP threat.
While the delegation welcomed the government's move to end the 37-year ban on student union elections, they urged the Home Minister to protect democratic spaces and student dissent.