TS Govt violating students’ right to protest: All India Students Federation

Warangal: All India Students Federation (AISF) national president Syed Valiullah Qadri accused Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao of using police and district officials to threaten student organisations for staging protests in support of their demands.

According to Article 19(1) A of Indian Constitution, student organisations have a right to protest. The protests were aimed at attracting the government attention to excessive collection of fees by the managements of private schools and colleges, he said here on Monday.  

It was incorrect to intimidate the students and student organisations for fighting for their rights, Qadri said with reference to a recent meeting, where Commissioner of Police V Ravinder and district educational officers interacted with the principals and managements and asked them not to encourage students to take part in protests and not to close the institutes in the wake of bandh calls given by student organisations.

He also objected a recent statement by Mahabubabad Superintendent of Police N Koti Reddy, who cautioned students and members of student organisations that they would be taken into custody and legal action would be initiated against them if they participate in dharnas and rallies.    

The statements by the officials were against the Constitution, Qadri pointed out adding that none of the officials responds when the schools and colleges exploit students by collecting exorbitant fees, turning education into business.

In the same manner, the officials and the government also remain silent when the students commit suicide, unable bear the torture by the managements. But acting at the behest of private schools and colleges, the government plotting to silence the student organisations, he alleged.  

The TRS government and its leaders must understand that it was because of the students and student organisations, separate Telangana become a reality. Many student organisations took part in Indian Freedom struggle and for the unity of the nation, he added.