'Jawab do': Ashoka University students oppose bag screening, admin says for ‘paramount well-being'

NEW DELHI: Protests erupted at Ashoka University after the administration imposed new security measures, including screening baggage and belongings, banning alcohol and cigarettes on campus premises. Justifying the measures, the administration said the measures were aimed at ‘enhancing safety and welfare of our students and campus residents.

“The recent measures of screening baggage and belongings at Ashoka University Campus are aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of our students and campus residents,” the university said. These steps were taken in consultation with faculty and staff representatives for ‘paramount safety and well-being of students, the official statement read.

"All students returning from their winter break moved into the campus last weekend undergoing the baggage scanning without a hitch. Since Monday classes have resumed and other campus activities are happening as usual. We are constantly engaging with the Student Government for their inputs on how to improve safety of the students. The University is taking all necessary steps in this matter, keeping in view the overall safety and well-being of the students, which is paramount to us," the university said.

In an email dated January 13, the university prohibited students from carrying cigarettes and alcohol on campus.

“Ashoka administration, which prides itself of being a 'liberal' bastion is unveiling itself as a policed space. Just two weeks back, Ashoka owners patted their own backs on a talk show claiming that surveillance of students is antithetical to the principles of Ashoka. However, it seems that the bluff has been called and the facade is over. The super-rich owners of Ashoka want to curtail democracy and freedom of expression on their campus,” AISA Delhi issued a statement in solidarity with the Ashoka University students.

Ashoka University's new protocol

The new protocols also include shifting student movement to another gate, Gate 2, and submitting students to pocket checks. The Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) alleged the students were informed about the decision without any prior consultation.

A petition opposing the protocols, issued hours after the announcement, has reportedly garnered over 1,100 signatures, including faculty members'. Students have alleged that the measures, which took effect on January 17, include searching of vehicles, their glove compartments, belongings of taxi drivers and family members on move-in days.

"Incoming vehicles faced invasive searches, including glove compartments and under-seat spaces. Belongings of taxi drivers and family members were also subject to these scanners on move-in days, something the student body was not informed about," a statement from protesting students.

Also read ‘Research funding in this country is absolutely inadequate’: Ashoka University Chairman BoG

'Forced' to submit shampoo bottles

Some students claimed they were forced to submit their personal belongings, such as shampoo bottles, for inspection under apprehension they may be used to carry alcohol. On January 19, students gathered at Gate 2 for a demonstration, the PTI reported.

"Students said the administration tried to suppress their protest by continuously wetting the atrium floor to prevent gatherings, deploying additional security guards, and blocking the area with planters," it said. Protesting students were seen shouting 'jawab do' (answers) slogans.

"The administration continuously wetted the atrium floor with pipes and buckets of water to prevent students from gathering in the open space, used historically for this purpose," the students alleged in a statement.