– Zaina Aman
24 Jun. 24: In a contentious move, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) administration has suspended five students, including the elected students’ union president Ateeq Ahmed, following their involvement in protests regarding the cancellation of the cultural festival ‘Sukoon.’ The students have been instructed to vacate their hostels by July 1.
The administration’s decision came after students protested the unilateral cancellation of ‘Sukoon,’ a significant cultural event organized by the Students’ Union. Those who participated in demonstrations outside the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge on May 18 now face fines amounting to ₹10,000 each.
Reacting strongly to the suspensions and fines, the Students’ Union has announced plans for a protest within the campus premises later today. Various student groups have also voiced their condemnation. The Ambedkar Students’ Association criticized the move as “Brahmanical administration’s proctorial raj,” while the Students’ Federation of India university unit denounced the administration’s actions as “autocratic” and suppression of peaceful protest.
According to sources, at least 10 student activists have been suspended and fined in connection with the protests surrounding ‘Sukoon 2024.’ The university administration has yet to provide detailed justification for its disciplinary actions, fueling further dissent among the student community.
The situation at UoH remains tense as students and advocacy groups mobilize against what they perceive as an infringement on their rights to organize cultural events and express dissent peacefully.
