AMU Protest: Resolution Amid Tensions

The student protest at Aligarh Muslim University concluded as leaders ended their hunger strike. A compromise on the fee hike and promised student union elections led to a resolution. However, tensions rose again with a planned Hindu Raksha Dal ceremony, requiring renewed police presence on campus.

The three-week-long student protest at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) concluded early Monday when two student leaders ended their indefinite hunger strike initiated on August 14. The resolution came following a breakthrough over the contentious fee hike issue.

AMU proctor Mohamad Waseem Ali informed PTI that a 'new compromise formula' was agreed upon regarding the annual fees, although specifics remain undisclosed. Additionally, the university committed to conducting long-pending students’ union elections in December, addressing another significant demand from the protestors.

Despite the breakthrough, tensions resurfaced over reports that Hindu Raksha Dal activists intended to perform a Hanuman Chalisa ceremony at the university gates for purification. This prompted a renewed police and paramilitary deployment, driven by concerns over a protester’s alleged pro-Palestine slogan during the agitation. Proctor Waseem mentioned that a comprehensive investigation will follow, while authorities take steps to ensure peace and security are maintained on campus.