The Aligarh Muslim University Teachers’ Association (AMUTA) has criticised the university administration for allowing police into a peaceful student protest on campus on Friday. It called the move a “failure of dialogue” and a breach of the university’s conflict resolution system.
In an emergent meeting at 8:30 PM, the AMUTA Executive Committee passed a resolution expressing “deep concern” over the incident. It said the situation could have been avoided with a more consultative and empathetic approach.
The teachers’ body reminded officials of their duty to act in loco parentis — as guardians of the students — regardless of whether they agree with the demands. “University functionaries should know their responsibilities must be guided by an in loco parentis approach, irrespective of the merit of demands,” the resolution said.
AMUTA blamed the escalation on the administration’s failure to use alternative dispute resolution. It said the proctorial team or the wider teaching community could have mediated with students and prevented outside intervention.
“Today’s incident reflects failure to activate any backup mechanism such as Pro-Proctors or the teaching community to enter into dialogue with the protesting students,” it added.
The association demanded that the administration take “all measures to safeguard the interest of the students” and handle future disputes within the campus framework, without police action.
The resolution, signed by AMUTA honorary secretary Ashraf Mateen, reflects growing concern among teachers over administrative handling of student activism. Faculty members stressed that peaceful protests must not be met with police force.
The incident has triggered debate on campus over balancing order with the right to protest. Many stressed that AMU’s tradition of debate and dissent must be preserved.
