JU unrest: Professor enters campus with folded hands amid students' protest

A protest took place at Jadavpur University on March 1. Students surrounded Education Minister Bratya Basu and demonstrated against him. The impact of that incident has not yet subsided. Following that event, a meeting with students was scheduled at the university today, Monday. Even before that meeting, a heated atmosphere emerged in Jadavpur. Professor Om Prakash Mishra was stopped from entering the university. He was seen trying to enter with folded hands.

On March 1, a section of students staged a protest around Education Minister Bratya Basu, primarily demanding student parliament elections. Following that incident, a case was filed in the Calcutta High Court. Meetings are being held in a phased manner. This time, Jadavpur University authorities are holding a meeting in response to the demands of the protesting students. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Monday. It was decided that two representatives from each student organization would attend the meeting. The Vice-Chancellor and deans of various departments were also expected to be present.

On the day of this meeting, Om Prakash was stopped. When Om Prakash Mishra attempted to enter, a group of students surrounded and tried to stop him. He was encircled amid slogan-shouting. The students were holding placards in their hands. In this situation, Om Prakash repeatedly kept saying, "Please let me go." "I have to go." He entered with folded hands. When Om Prakash reached his room, students sat outside with placards.

They accused him of harassing two female students on the day of the incident. They also alleged that he misbehaved with students. According to the students, his behavior is not befitting of a professor. They claim that if professors like Om Prakash continue to be part of the university, such incidents will become more frequent on campus. However, the professor has denied all these allegations.

In Om Prakash’s words, "I am a senior, experienced professor." On the day of the incident, an attempt was made to stop me. They must answer why they assaulted a professor and tried to prevent him from entering. "Such incidents are being orchestrated to defame me." However, the students remain unconvinced by his arguments. They are sitting on the ground outside Om Prakash’s residence with placards. The students demand that the professor must step over them if he wishes to enter the department.