Protesting students at Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, restated their call for the removal of Vice-Chancellor B.R. Kamboj during a “Chhatr Nyay Mahapanchayat” held outside the university’s Gate Number 4 on Tuesday.
The Mahapanchayat, which was held outside gate number of HAU amid an ongoing two-week-long protest, drew widespread support from opposition leaders, farmer unions, student bodies, and employee associations. All groups expressed solidarity with the students' demand.
Despite multiple rounds of dialogue with a state-appointed four-member committee last week, the protesting students have remained firm on their demand. They allege that the Vice-Chancellor was responsible for a recent police lathicharge on campus and argue that his continuation in the office would compromise the fairness of any inquiry into the incident.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-appointed committee comprised Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar.
The protesting students have also called for the arrest of the university’s chief security officer and others allegedly attack during a demonstration against changes to scholarship rules. The incident left several students injured.
While addressing the Mahapanchayat, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the issue could only be resolved when the Vice-Chancellor is removed.
"What happened with the students of HAU is wrong. If HAU guards and teachers beat up students, then what kind of justice is this?," Tikait asked.
"We are with the decision taken by the students' committee which seeks removal of the VC. The agitation will continue until the VC is removed,” he added.
Political leaders, including INLD MLA Arjun Chautala, Congress MLA Aditya Surjewala, and JJP’s Digvijay Singh Chautala, addressed the Mahapanchayat and voiced their support for the protesting students.
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