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Students at Ashoka University protest new security measures, including vehicle checks and a ban on cigarettes and alcohol, calling them invasive.
Students Protest New Security Measures at Ashoka University. (Image: @anjali__27/)
Students at Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, have strongly opposed the new security measures introduced by the administration, which include vehicle checks and a ban on carrying cigarettes and alcohol on 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 criticised these measures as invasive and an overreach, calling for a rollback. The Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) claimed that students were not consulted before these changes were implemented.
A petition opposing the measures, which was launched hours after the announcement, has reportedly gathered over 1,100 signatures, including those of faculty members.
The university, in a statement, said the measures were introduced to improve campus security after consulting with faculty and staff. “The measures of screening baggage and belongings at Ashoka University Campus are aimed at enhancing the safety and welfare of our students. These steps were implemented in consultation with Faculty, Staff representatives, and the Student Government,” the statement read.
However, students have alleged that these measures, which took effect on January 17, include invasive searches of vehicles, glove compartments, and even the belongings of taxi drivers and family members on move-in days.
“Incoming vehicles were searched thoroughly, including glove compartments and under-seat areas. The belongings 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 like shampoo bottles for inspection, fearing they might be used to carry alcohol.
On January 19, students gathered at Gate 2 for a protest. The administration, according to students, attempted to suppress the protest by constantly 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 stop students from assembling in the open space, a place historically used for such protests,” the students claimed.
The All India Students’ Association (AISA), a Left-backed student body, expressed support for the students, criticising the surveillance measures as a violation of privacy rights. “Ashoka University, which claims to be a liberal institution, has revealed itself as a controlled space,” the AISA statement read.
