JNU hunger strike: MP John Brittas asks President Murmu to step in as protest enters day 17
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas has sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi in the indefinite hunger strike by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, which entered its 17th day on Monday, citing the deteriorating health of the participants.
In letters written on October 18, Mr. Brittas sought the revocation of rustication orders against elected representatives of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), the withdrawal of the provisions of the Chief Proctor's Office (CPO) Manual that he has described as objectionable, and the early resolution of the students' grievances.
In a post on X, the MP said the hunger strike was now in its 17th day, and that the deteriorating health of those participating demanded urgent intervention.
"As a former student of JNU, I am deeply concerned by the present situation. A university that nurtured debate and dissent must not punish them. Its democratic traditions must be preserved, and its students' voices deserve to be heard, not silenced," he said.
The hunger strike began on October 3, after what the students describe as the university administration's failure to address the community's longstanding concerns. Mr. Brittas said the rustication of elected students' union representatives, including a former JNUSU president, had raised serious concerns.
"The exclusion of elected representatives from the University directly affects the functioning of the students' union and weakens the mechanism through which students collectively articulate their grievances," he wrote.
He also raised concerns over the continued enforcement of the CPO Manual, which provides for fines and disciplinary measures for several forms of protest and assembly.
Recalling his years as a student at JNU, Mr. Brittas said the university had long provided space for debate, discussion and democratic activity. He cautioned that disproportionate disciplinary action could discourage students from raising legitimate grievances for fear of punitive measures.
The MP also flagged unresolved issues relating to gender justice, equal opportunity, admissions and basic campus facilities. He said the prolonged impasse had assumed serious proportions in view of the risks to the health of those on hunger strike.
Referring to the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966, he said the legislation identifies social justice, secularism and a democratic way of life among the university's foundational principles. Under the Act, the President of India is the Visitor of the university.
Mr. Brittas urged the President to intervene under Section 8 of the Act and to take appropriate steps towards revoking the rustication orders, withdrawing the provisions of the CPO Manual that he has questioned, and resolving the students' outstanding grievances.
The letters mark the latest turn in a standoff between the JNU administration and the students' union that is now in its third week, with the health of those on hunger strike emerging as the central concern raised by the MP.
