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Ashoka University students protest new security measures, including vehicle checks and a ban on cigarettes and alcohol, calling them invasive.
Students protest against new security measures at Ashoka University. (Image: @ajali__27/)
Students of Ashoka University in Haryana’s Sonipat have strongly protested against the new security measures introduced by the administration, including vehicle checking and a ban on carrying cigarettes and liquor on the campus.
The new protocols, reportedly outlined in a January 13 email from the university’s vice president of operations, also include shifting student movement to Gate 2 and conducting pocket checks, as reported by news agency PTI.
Students have criticized these measures as aggressive and an overreach for a rollback. Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) claimed that students were not consulted before implementing these changes.
A petition opposing the measures, which was started hours after the announcement, has reportedly collected more than 1,100 signatures, including faculty members.
The university said in a statement that the measures were introduced to improve campus security after consultation with faculty and staff. “The measures taken to screen luggage and baggage at Ashoka University campus are aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of our students. “These steps were implemented in consultation with faculty, staff representatives, and student government,” the statement read.
However, students have alleged that these measures, which took effect on January 17, include aggressive searches of vehicles, glove compartments and even the belongings of taxi drivers and family members.
“The arriving vehicles were thoroughly searched, including the glove compartment and under-seat areas. The luggage of taxi drivers and family members were also checked, and students were not informed about this in advance,” a statement from the protesting students said.
Some students said they were forced to submit personal items such as shampoo bottles for inspection, fearing they could be used to carry alcohol.
On 19 January, students gathered at Gate 2 for a protest. According to students, the administration attempted to suppress the protests by continuously wetting the atrium floor to prevent gatherings, deploying more security guards, and blocking the area with planters.
“The administration kept wetting the floor with pipes and buckets of water to prevent students from gathering in the open space, a space historically used for such protests,” the students claimed. .
The All India Students’ Association (AISA), a left-backed student body, expressed support for the students, criticizing the surveillance measures as a violation of privacy rights. “Ashoka University, which claims to be a liberal institution, has revealed itself to be a controlling place,” the AISA statement read.
