CAA Notification: Students Collective opposes ‘deployment of police, paramilitary on university campuses’

NEW DELHI: The Students Collective, representing student organisations from various universities, has opposed the “deployment of police and paramilitary on the campuses of universities”. The comments come following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA 2019) at several universities including Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Delhi University (DU).

The students’ body said, “Even prior to the implementation of CAA, campuses across the nation have witnessed a disturbing militarisation, with heavy police and paramilitary presence. Instances of police intrusion into educational institutions and the arbitrary detention of students are deeply concerning.”

The students leaders blamed the universities’ administration for “colluding with law enforcement agencies” in targeting students. They called it a blatant “violation of democratic principles and student rights”.

Opposes CAA notification

The students’ body also opposed the recent notification issued by the union government to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. “Our collective stands firm in its conviction that the CAA is a direct affront to the fundamental spirit of the Indian Constitution,” the students’ leaders said.

The Students Collective said that the decision to grant citizenship based on religious grounds and excluding a minority, Muslims, is against the principles of equality, secularism, and inclusivity enshrined in our Constitution. “By intertwining the implementation of CAA with the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), the government risks stripping citizenship from Muslim minorities. We adamantly oppose any such discriminatory actions,” it said.

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They also questioned the timing of the notification of CAA rules. Calling the move an election gimmick, they students’ body said, “It is evident that the government lacks confidence in “Sabka saat, sabka Vikas, sabka viswas” developmental agendas and instead resorts to exploiting communal sentiments for political gain.”

“We firmly reiterate our stance on CAA and seek immediate intervention of all stakeholders and concerned citizens to prioritise the protection of constitutional values and the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religion or background,” the body added.