Patna. Students protested against the new UGC Bill in Patna, the capital of Bihar. The students said that their agitation will be further intensified if the proposed UGC Bill is not withdrawn. The students also announced a nationwide strike on 1 February. A tense situation prevailed in Patna on Wednesday when hundreds of students staged a massive demonstration at Dinkar Golambar, a major traffic intersection of the city, in protest against the proposed UGC Bill. During this protest organized under the banner of All Bihar Students Union (ABSU) and Savarna Ekta Manch, students raised slogans against the central government and expressed their anger by burning materials on the road, due to which the traffic was disrupted for some time. Student leader Vishal Kumar, who was leading the protest, alleged that the proposed UGC Bill was against the interests of upper caste students. Addressing the protesters, he said that the upper castes were being deliberately targeted under the guise of political agendas. Vishal Kumar said, “If we remain united, we will be safe, if we are divided, there will be destruction. There is talk of unity, integrity and equality in the country, but in the vicious cycle of politics, the upper caste people are becoming increasingly helpless. Were the votes of the upper caste people not taken? Then why has such a bill been brought?”
Another student leader Suryadev Kumar described the proposed UGC bill as “anti-student and anti-upper caste” and said it would affect the academic environment of universities. He alleged that this law is an attempt to divide students into two classes. Suryadev Kumar said, “On one hand caste-based politics is being promoted and on the other hand upper castes are being targeted. The upper castes will not tolerate this under any circumstances.”
Student Saroj Kumar also questioned the intentions of the UGC and the government, saying that this bill has been brought specifically to target upper caste students. He demanded that the UGC Bill be withdrawn immediately. Saroj Kumar said, “If allegations are made against anyone, there should be a fair investigation for them. The government should have formed an independent body to ensure justice.”
Another protester, Rakesh Kumar, compared the proposed bill with some earlier laws, alleging that upper castes have already suffered losses due to their misuse. He said, “Thousands of people are in jail on false charges. Now another such bill is being brought which will directly target the upper castes. If any allegation is made in universities, its basis and evidence should be clear. The burden of proof should not be placed unfairly on the accused.”
The protesting students warned that their agitation would be further intensified if the proposed UGC Bill was not withdrawn. The students also announced a nationwide strike on 1 February. Due to this protest, traffic on Dinkar Golambar was disrupted for some time, however the police force deployed at the spot kept the situation under control.
Administrative officials appealed to the people to maintain peace and assured to maintain law and order. Police say that the situation is being constantly monitored and adequate security arrangements have been made to deal with any untoward situation. –
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