What Led to ABVP's Protests Against Police Action in Barabanki?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ABVP protests were triggered by police violence against students.
- The organization is demanding justice and accountability.
- Protests have spread across multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh.
- Students are determined to continue their agitation.
- Authorities face pressure to respond to the grievances of the students.
Lucknow, Sep 5 (NationPress) The incident involving a batoon charge against Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, has ignited significant public anger.
In reaction, ABVP organized statewide demonstrations on Friday, demanding justice.
In Mau, ABVP conducted a torch-lit march from the Arya Samaj Temple to Mirzahadi Pura. During this protest, students affiliated with ABVP emphasized their ongoing agitation until their demands are fulfilled.
District organization secretary Gyan Prasad informed IANS that on September 1, ABVP students executed a substantial protest at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University.
“The university administration is still enrolling students into its LLB program, which was officially canceled a year ago by the Bar Council of India. The administration has allegedly deceived students, jeopardizing their futures. When ABVP raised its concerns, police employed a baton charge, leading to injuries among several students. We demand appropriate action regarding this incident.”
Protests also erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri and Jaunpur, where ABVP members conducted torch marches.
In Jaunpur, the procession began at the north gate of Tilak Dhari Singh College and moved towards JCI Crossing.
ABVP has outlined four primary demands:
- Action against the police personnel involved in the baton charge.
- Investigation into alleged irregularities over the past three years.
- Prompt action on the filed FIRs.
- Inquiry into the suspected illegal possession of six bighas of land by the university.
The organization has warned that a more significant agitation will be initiated if their demands are not addressed.
Protests also took place in Kanpur, where ABVP members asserted that police brutality in Barabanki against their members is intolerable and must be addressed. Demonstrations continued across the state.
ABVP's State Media Coordinator, Dinesh Yadav, stated, “ABVP has consistently protested against the irregularities at Ramswaroop Memorial University. The police reacted with brutal baton charges on students.”
Protests remain active in Barabanki as well. Demonstrators allege that students were ruthlessly beaten, with several sustaining serious injuries that required hospitalization. They warned that if their demands are not met, the student movement will escalate further.