Jauhar University demolition: Sikhs join SP protest against RDA proposal
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Photo: IANS
Rampur: Members of the Sikh community, led by Samajwadi Party (SP) national secretary Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, staged a protest on Tuesday against the proposed demolition of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, alleging that the institution was being unfairly targeted, according to media reports.
Addressing reporters, Bhullar said young people had taken to the streets to save the university and that members of the Sikh community had visited the campus to express solidarity with the students.
He claimed that the university had been built on gram samaj (village community) land and that its building plan had received the required approvals. Bhullar alleged that the government was seeking to demolish what he described as a "temple of education" out of political vendetta, adding that the Sikh community would oppose any such move.
The SP leader also said party workers across several districts were protesting against the demolition order and would continue efforts to protect the university.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that students continued their sit-in protest for the fourth consecutive day, demanding that the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) withdraw its order directing the demolition of 38 of the university's 40 buildings.
Iqra, a student from Uttarakhand participating in the protest outside Gate No. 4, said that if the university had committed any irregularities, the authorities should impose a penalty and regularise the matter instead of demolishing the campus. She appealed to the government not to proceed with the demolition, saying it would put the future of thousands of students at risk.
Pharmacy students Mohammad Shoaib and Mohammad Shavez said they were prepared to stand in front of bulldozers and even launch a hunger strike if required to save the university.
The RDA has declared 38 of the university's 40 buildings unauthorised, stating that they were constructed without its approval, and has ordered their demolition.
Separately, the Public Works Department (PWD) declared the university's main gate and the four-lane road passing through the campus to be public property, describing the gate as unauthorised.
The Fire Department and the Income Tax Department have also issued notices citing alleged irregularities, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the institution.