MANUU students launch indefinite strike over delayed union elections

MANUU students launched an indefinite strike demanding the immediate restoration of long-delayed Students’ Union elections. Leaders criticised the administration for intimidation and called for transparent dialogue, insisting the protest will continue until students’ democratic rights are upheld.

Hyderabad: Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) students here on Tuesday launched an indefinite strike demanding immediate restoration of long-delayed Students’ union elections.

Research scholar and student leader Swaleh Ansari said that despite repeated representations and communications throughout the academic year, the university administration failed to take students’ demands seriously.

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“While elections for teachers’ and staff associations have been conducted, students continue to be denied their democratic right to representation. This selective approach is a blatant attack on student rights, leaving us with no option but to resort to an indefinite protest,” he said.

Another student leader, Rafe Azmi, condemned what he described as intimidation by the administration. He pointed out that the university proctor issued a notice late on Monday night, threatening to lodge FIRs against students for allegedly disturbing campus peace.

“From the beginning, we have clearly stated that our protest is peaceful, democratic, and non-disruptive. Despite this, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to threaten and intimidate students instead of engaging in dialogue,” he said.

The protesters reiterated that their agitation would continue until the administration officially notified Students’ union elections. They also emphasised that any dialogue with the authorities must be transparent and held in the presence of students.