JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was not allowed to enter the campus of University of Hyderabad (HCU) where he was scheduled to address students this evening. Police said they did not prevent Kanhaiya from entering the varsity campus.
“It was the HCU security personnel who stopped him (Kanhaiya) on the Vice Chancellor’s directions,” a senior Cyberabad Police official said. The official also said Kanhaiya himself stopped in front of the university’s entrance, addressed the media and left.
Kanhaiya, along with Rohith Vemula’s mother Radhika and his brother Raja, reached the HCU this evening where he was greeted with slogans for and against him.
“I came from JNU to HCU to support Rohith Vemula’s cause. I want to say that we will have to fulfil Rohith Vemula’s dreams. Social justice has to be brought in the country. This government is not listening to the voice of the students,” he said.
He said he wants to tell police and HCU administration that they cannot suppress their voice and “we (students) will seek justice, and continue this struggle for social justice.” “I have come here to express solidarity with those injured in yesterday’s lathicharge,” he added.
The University in-charge Registrar earlier this morning issued notification banning entry to outsiders including political parties, media and other social and student groups into the campus.
“Student is not being allowed to enter into the university campus. This is shameful. I blame university authorities and police. This fight is to save democracy and Constitution. We will not tolerate attack on democracy. We want freedom from casteism and untouchability. We would not have disturbed the peace on the campus had we been allowed,” he said outside the HCU campus.
He reiterated that they would fight until the government implements “Rohith Act”. A section of students belonging to ABVP said they would prevent Kanhaiya from entering into the university.
Meanwhile, police kept strict vigil at the main gate preventing non-students from gaining entry into the HCU. They allowed students only after verification of their credentials.
There were heated arguments between police and CPI leaders who accompanied Kanhaiya. Police and university guards did not allow them cross the main gate even as the CPI leaders argued that they be allowed.