By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Aligarh: Jasim Mohammad, Secretary of Aligarh based Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) has written to Smriti Z. Irani, Union Minister for Human Resource Development against what he termed as “undue and un-called for interference in AMU affairs.”
MBMC has taken “strong exception on the way in which you have made a statement,” on the speech of the Vice Chancellor on access to central library of the University to female students.
“we disapprove your action of directing HRD Ministry Officers to call an explanation from the AMU on the subject as that is direct interference in the affairs of the University which is not only a historical central university but has been granted certain special rights and powers under AMU (Amendment) Act-1981,” he wrote.
MBMC feels that your step is part of the agenda to malign the Aligarh Muslim University.
Meanwhile, several meetings and demonstrations were organised in Aligarh by students, teachers as well as several alumni on Wednesday and Thursday to register protest against biased media coverage of the Aligarh Muslim University in the wake of the alleged ban on girls from accessing the central library.
Earlier on Wednesday, hundreds of AMU students, comprising of girl students in large number had gathered at the University’s main entrance for demonstration.
A meeting of various social and milli organisations was held at the headquarters of Sir Syed Awareness Forum (SAF). Presiding over the meeting its President, Dr. Shakeel Samdani said that the statement of Vice Chancellor of AMU was blown out of proportion by the media to mislead the nation.
Mrs. Anjum Tasneem, Faculty of Jain Girls Inter College, who was also present in the meeting, said that the statement of the VC should be seen in right perspective and must not be blown out of proportion. She added, “His statement reflects the concern of a responsible guardian. He has always encouraged the girls to participate in extra circular activities. How can he be accused for discriminating against the girls?”
She also demanded that the Abdullah College library be provided with modern facilities and new books.
Director, Arunanchal University of Studies, Dr. Khalil Chaudhary, said that those who have given statements from outside Aligarh had perhaps a grudge against AMU and by this incident they got an opportunity to defame the university.
Maulana Obaid Iqbal Asim, Secretary, UP Rabita Committee said that electronic media is trying to divert the attention of the nation from real issues of Muslims.
The meeting was attended by several other current and retired teachers of the AMU, its alumni and concerned residents of Aligarh, including Prof Saud Alam Qasmi, Former Dean of Faculty of Theology, Dr. Khalil Chaudhary, Director of the Arunanchal University of Studies, Maulana Obaid Iqbal Asim, Secretary of UP Rabita Committee, S. Javed Akhtar, Director of ACN Group of Institutions, Shoaib Ali, Ex Cabinet Member of AMUSU, Mohd. Maazul Haq, Research Scholar, AMU, Atiq Ansari, Momin Conference, Ayesha Ansari, Afmar Afaq, Senior Student, AMU, Babloo Sherwani, and other concerned citizens of the city.
Related:
AMU library row: Media sensationalism or deep seated bias?