JNU row: Nagaland University students express solidarity

Nagaland University, Lumami students took out a rally in solidarity with the JNU’s demand for affordable and accessible education on November 27. (Photo credit: NUSU-L).

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 27 (MExN): The Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami (NUSU-L) on Wednesday joined the ‘National Day of Protests’ for affordable and accessible education on November 27 to show solidarity with the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) spearheading the protest against the hostel and mess fee hike in the University.

A press statement issued by NUSU-L reported that the Nagaland University students marched all the way from the University’s medical centre to the auditorium at 1 pm while raising slogans along the way to make education affordable to all. 

The rally kicked off with the Union’s general secretary, Süyievelü Venuh, highlighting the importance of the act and addressed how education is being privatized and commercialized in the country. She encouraged fellow students to fight for educational rights while stressing that quality education is the key for the development and future of the nation. 

The rally was led by the Union’s president, Nito H Khulu who voiced concern over the ongoing situation at JNU and censured the unjust policy measures implemented by the Government of India on one of the most affordable University of the country. 

Research scholars’ forum co-convener, Sentiyanger addressing the rally said the government’s action was wrong and extended full support for the movement initiated by the JNU students demanding affordable and accessible education.

An alumni of JNU, Neizanuo also voiced concern over the ongoing turmoil at JNU and commented on how the institute has changed. While urging the students not to remain silent on such issues, Neizanuo said education should not be a luxury commodity which only the privileged sections of the society can enjoy. 

Meanwhile, the Union condemned the physical harassment and psychological trauma meted out to the JNU students who are fighting for their basic rights by the government and the police personnel. It also urged the government to subsidize education instead of privatizing it while demanding that the government should not take away what has been given by it in the first place. 

“India being a democratic country, if democracy needs to be promoted, education is the first service that a state should provide to its people. Democratic values and virtues can be acquired only through quality education. Privatized education cannot provide us with this because it is entirely dependent on market rules,” it asserted.