Mild tension at Osmania University as students protest clamp on demonstrations

Hyderabad: Tensions escalated at Osmania University in Hyderabad on Monday as student organisations staged protests demanding the withdrawal of circulars prohibiting demonstrations.

Once the epicenter of the Telangana statehood movement, OU witnessed various student unions participating in a massive rally at the Arts College, where protesters raised slogans against the Vice Chancellor on Monday.

Police intervened, arresting demonstrating students and transferring them to a local police station. ABVP called for the resignation of Osmania University Vice-Chancellor over his recent directives banning protests and demonstrations on campus.

The varsity registrar later clarified that the circular does not impose a blanket ban on agitations or dharnas within the campus but seeks to prevent disruptions to academic and administrative functions within university departments, colleges, and administrative buildings.

Recent instances of disruptions have impacted institutional efficiency, delayed critical academic and administrative processes, and created avoidable impediments to the university’s pursuit of excellence, the registrar said.

The intent behind the circular is to foster an academic environment conducive to learning, research, and institutional growth while ensuring the seamless execution of essential university operations, the statement added..

“It is essential to emphasize that the circular does not infringe upon the fundamental right to express grievances. Instead, it underscores the importance of structured and meaningful grievance redressal mechanisms. Students on regular rolls are encouraged to bring forth their concerns through appropriate institutional channels. Should further resolution be necessary, they are welcome to seek an appointment with the Registrar or other university officials with prior permission. This ensures that grievances are addressed in a constructive, solution-oriented manner rather than through disruptions that may impede academic and administrative functions,” said the statement.

The restrictions outlined in the circular apply specifically to protests and demonstrations within designated academic and administrative spaces. These measures have been introduced solely to safeguard the university’s academic integrity, administrative efficiency, and security.