Students at Ambedkar University Delhi have maintained their protest against new security measures for a seventh consecutive day. The demonstration, led by the Left-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA), focuses on the perceived restrictions on movement caused by intensified security checks at campus entrances.
Protesters have referred to the enhanced security protocols as an 'iron cage' and criticized what they view as aggressive barricading. They assert that these measures hinder their freedom of movement within the university grounds.
Tensions escalated late Friday when students claimed that security officials barred them from bringing food and water onto the campus. AISA reported that a student collapsed around 3 a.m. and alleged that the university administration delayed the arrival of medical assistance by preventing an ambulance and police vehicles from entering the campus.
In response, the university stated that its medical team was monitoring the situation and ensuring the well-being of protesting students. AISA also claimed that the university barred access to the campus on Saturday, disrupting classes and examinations for some students. The university attributed this closure to maintenance work at library and laboratory facilities, which AISA contends was not occurring.
The university's public relations office emphasized that the closures were necessary for safety and maintenance, stating that students had been informed of this ahead of time. The administration also mentioned that the current sit-in protest was unauthorized and that a designated area for peaceful demonstrations was available, although the protesting students chose to occupy areas near classrooms and the library, impacting other students.
The institution accused protesters of physically assaulting security guards, bringing the incident to the attention of the Delhi Police for further action. The administration clarified that security personnel were implementing established protocols and were not acting on their own accord.
In turn, AISA continues to demand the removal of the so-called 'iron cages' and other internal barriers, calling for a restoration of campus democracy and accountability regarding medical access issues. The students are also insisting on unrestricted access to the campus for all enrolled students under the existing security rules.
The university has expressed its commitment to dialogue, claiming to have addressed all legitimate demands posed by the protesting students and urging them to avoid spreading misinformation during the ongoing demonstrations. AISA has reached out to civil society groups and human rights organizations for support and accountability regarding the concerns raised by the protesters.
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