JU Teachers Urge Protesting Students to Resume Classes

The Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA) has called upon protesting students to reconsider their decision to boycott classes and semester exams in light of the recent incident involving the West Bengal Education Minister, Bratya Basu. The incident, which took place on March 1, resulted in one student suffering serious injuries when the minister’s car allegedly grazed past him during a protest on the campus.

While JUTA extended its support to the protesting left-wing student unions, which are demanding the immediate withdrawal of what they call “false, fabricated” charges against students related to the incident, they emphasized the importance of not disrupting academic activities. The ongoing protest, which has continued for over a week, has led to several students boycotting classes and exams.

In a statement, JUTA affirmed that while it supports the students' demands for justice, it also urges them to avoid letting the protest interfere with academic schedules. “We are not asking the students to call off their protests until their demands are met, but we do insist that academic activities must not be disrupted in the process,” the statement read.

The protesting students, primarily from left-wing student unions such as the Students Federation of India (SFI), All India Democratic Students' Association (AIDSO), and other Naxalite student groups, have threatened to escalate their protest. They have warned of a complete shutdown of the university’s administrative work from 2 pm on March 10 unless their demands are addressed by the administration.

The protest stems from an incident where two students were reportedly injured after Education Minister Bratya Basu’s car, along with another accompanying vehicle, allegedly grazed them during the protest. One of the injured students remains hospitalized, prompting a more extensive protest from the student groups.

JUTA has also condemned the university’s lack of action on the matter, criticizing its "inactive role" in addressing the concerns of the students. The association’s statement also emphasized the need for maintaining mutual respect and cordial relationships between students and teachers, in line with the university’s long-standing traditions.

In response to the situation, JUTA has called on senior university officials, including the vice-chancellor, who is currently unwell, to engage in dialogue with the agitating students as soon as possible to resolve the ongoing crisis.

With exams looming, the teachers’ body remains concerned about the impact the boycott may have on the students’ academic futures and has urged the agitating students to return to their studies while continuing their pursuit of justice through peaceful means.

As the situation develops, the university remains at a crossroads, with both the administration and student body seeking a resolution that balances academic priorities with their rightful demands for justice.