AMU teachers allege 'diversionary tactic', VC hits back

The AMUTA said the "decision to establish off-campus AMU Centres would dilute the residential character of the University Act.

"The decision to open the centres in different parts of the country was taken without taking an approval of the Parliament of India, which is necessary in this case," it said.

In a joint statement, President of the AMUTA Mukhtar Ahmad and Secretary Jamshed Siddiqui said the ongoing agitation by students demanding the restoration of the Student's Union were yet to end primarily because of the "adamant attitude" of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof P K Abdul Azis.

The student protestors yesterday burnt an effigy of Azis and Registrar Prof Abdul Jallel.

The teachers also poo-pooed the demand by university authorities to provide "special security" to the VC to enter his official residence, from which he had moved out about a week ago following a demonstration by students in front of it.

AMUTA said, "The allegation that the gate of the lodge (the VC's official residence) had been locked by the protesting students is baseless since there is no provision to lock the gates from outside.

"The students would have in-fact welcomed the Vice-Chancellor to the dharna site to initiate a dialogue with them. So the allegations that the VC faces a threat to his life are laughable."

Hitting back at teachers and protesting students, however, Azis said in a statement, "We have already announced the restoration of AMU Students' Union and the Registrar has further issued the notification to this effect."

"We are getting support and cooperation from all corners in maintaining peaceful academic environment in the University campus. Only a handful of distracted people are engaged in vitiating the peaceful atmosphere to fulfil their personal ends," it further read.