New Delhi: Members of Ambedkar University Delhi Students’ Council have alleged that they have been barred by the university from carrying posters, placards, dafli, flags and even speaker systems into the campus during protests and events. They said guards had been given a list of “prohibited items” to check for whenever demonstrations were organised on campus.“Once we organised a study circle with a Delhi University professor, but neither he nor the speaker system was allowed inside. He had to stand outside and speak,” a council member said. Students alleged that such restrictions were aimed at curbing dissent on campus.While protests are already banned inside the campus and within 100 metres of the administrative block that houses the vice-chancellor’s office, the university has designated a specific area for student demonstrations. However, students claim they are not allowed to use even that space freely. “Whenever we try to hold an event, speakers and banners affiliated with student outfits are stopped at the gate. Guards ask us not to bring dafli, posters or placards as they have received instructions from the administration,” a student said.Despite repeated attempts, TOI didn’t get any response from the university administration. The administration has also not provided any clarity on the complete list of prohibited items.The tensions between the administration and students escalated recently after protests against the suspension of some students. Demonstrators had blocked the vice-chancellor’s car, following which the administration initiated an inquiry. Since then, the administration has barricaded the VC’s office and restricted access to the main gate. Students are now forced to enter from a back entrance that opens into an alley that they say is unsafe, poorly lit and frequented by miscreants. Several students, particularly women, have complained of catcalling and harassment while using this entry. Council members argue that instead of addressing students’ grievances, the administration is trying to clamp down on protests and silence voices of dissent.
