By TCN News,
New Delhi: Forum for Student Democracy Convener and RTI Activist Afroz Alam Sahil on Friday was called by the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia for clarification of his stand on his own statement that he made two weeks ago on NDTV regarding alleged swindling of some funds by the varsity. Jamia had taken strong notice of his statement and sent him a legal notice worth Rs 50 lakh.
In today’s meeting with Vice Chancellor, Proctor, Registrar and Legal Advisor, Afroz clarified his stand and expressed that he had never intended to cause any defamation to Jamia.
Afroz stated that he was under wrong impression that Jamia Old Boys Association is part of Jamia administration and he made the statement alleging bungling of funds for Batla house Victims under this impression only. “My statement was in response of Mr. Shahid Siddiqi of Samajwadi Party who accused me of supporting Congress Party and said that Congress is playing politics on the issue. I responded that your party was also part of politics and has donated 10 lakh rupees to Jamia. With my statement, I was not thinking that the discussion will be immediately stopped on the issue I raised. I was saying this in sequence of another sentence that “Jamia is bat ka jawab apni RTI me bhi nahi de rahi hai”, Afroz told Jamia administration.
“Let me confess the fact that I am not aware who was actually donated the money, either Jamia of Jamia Old Boys Association and even media reports were confusing. Out of this confusion, I had also filed an RTI to know who holds that money and how is that spent.
With regard to my activities, I had sought appointment of Mr. Vice Chancellor many times to clarify what I am really doing and to seek his suggestions and guidance as well however I was never given a chance to meet the VC sahab. First time after the NDTV, VC has clarified in a press statement that Jamia has nothing to do with the donation and I was convinced with his statement which I was looking for many months.”
Anchor of NDTV program had immediately stopped the discussion on the issue and stated that my argument will not be subscribed at all because Jamia representative is not present. With this end statement, the issue of Jamia remained closed with his clear rejection of the statement. The confusion was also because of status of JOBA which I thought is part of Jamia which officially is not.
Afroz Alam Sahil also expressed an unconditional apology for his statement which was misunderstood as an act of defaming Jamia. Afroz said, “I had always held Jamia with very high esteem and can never think of defaming Jamia.”
In a letter written to Vice Chancellor Afroz Alam Sahil said, “I withdraw my statement made on NDTV on 18 January with regard to 10 Lakh rupees which was given by a political leader. Afroz also said that his statement during discussion at NDTV was never motivated by any malice or enmity for this reputed institute, rather he is part of this university and its fame or shame. The statement was also not directed to any individual of Jamia.”
Afroz said Jamia VC has accepted his apology and even has appreciated his activism and suggested to use his potential and talents to fulfill the novel cause for which Jamia has been established. Sahil expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and he said that he has found VC Mr. Najeeb Jung very polite and inspiring. Even Vice Chancellor assured Afroz for his constructive activism.