The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Gujarat): A collective of 122 scholars and concerned individuals have reached out to Neerja Gupta, the Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University, urging a public denouncement of the assault on international students within the campus premises. This incident, occurring on the evening of March 16, saw a violent intrusion by approximately twenty individuals into a university hostel, targeting foreign students engaged in namaz during Ramzan. The assault led to the hospitalization of students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan, with police action resulting in five arrests thus far.
The letter to Gupta emphasized the necessity for a public stance against such violence, underscoring the importance of affirming the university’s commitment to a non-violent, inclusive environment. This move, the signatories argue, would not only reassure the university community but also signal to a broader audience that Gujarat University stands firmly against acts of aggression and intolerance.
Further, the academics called for heightened efforts towards sensitizing the student body on the myriad religious traditions and the significance of mutual respect across diverse faiths. This plea aligns with Gupta’s previously stated intentions to offer cultural sensitization for international students, aiming to foster a more understanding and respectful campus atmosphere.
The incident has notably impacted the university’s reputation, both domestically and internationally. The signatories stressed the importance of the university’s active engagement with law enforcement to ensure swift and effective justice for the attackers, thereby reaffirming its dedication to providing a safe and nurturing academic environment.
Actions suggested include the university’s pursuit of answers from the Ahmedabad City Police regarding the assailants’ unimpeded departure post-attack, captured in circulating videos, rather than their immediate detention for further investigation. The letter also touches on the need for compensation for the students whose belongings, including laptops, were damaged during the assault.
The letter’s signatories, encompassing esteemed academics such as Raghavan Rangarajan, Navdeep Mathur, Neha Shah, and Ghanshyam Shah, underscore the urgent need for a tangible response from Gujarat University’s administration. This call to action follows engagements with the university by delegations from Afghanistan and Gambia, reflecting international concern over the safety of foreign students. In response, Gujarat University has initiated several measures, including the relocation of international students to a secured wing, enhanced security with ex-military personnel, and the establishment of a foreign student advisory committee, to mitigate any future risks and reassure the student body of their safety on campus.
