JNU Protest entered its second day as more than 250 students joined an indefinite sit-in organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), demanding improvements in the university's health facilities and action over an alleged altercation at the JNU Health Centre. JNU Protest organisers said the agitation is not limited to the alleged scuffle and is aimed at seeking broader reforms in campus medical services.
According to ABVP, its activists had visited the Health Centre after students raised concerns about medical equipment, availability of specialist doctors and the treatment of patients. The organisation alleged that a confrontation took place with security personnel during the visit.
ABVP claimed that three of its activists, Vikas Patel, Abhay and Animesh, sustained injuries during the alleged scuffle. These claims have not been independently verified based on the material available for the report.
Students demand health centre reforms
The protesting students have presented a list of demands covering medical services, accountability and grievance redressal.
Among their key demands are action against the Chief Medical Officer and other staff allegedly responsible for misconduct, including the CMO's resignation. The students have also called for a comprehensive medical, administrative and financial audit of the Health Centre through an impartial inquiry.
Other demands include installing CCTV cameras, establishing a transparent and time-bound grievance redressal mechanism and setting up a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra at JNU to provide medicines at affordable prices.
ABVP has additionally sought action against security personnel it alleges were involved in the confrontation.
Protest to continue until concrete action
On the second day of the agitation, protesters maintained that the issue extends beyond the incident involving the activists. They said students should have access to adequate medical equipment, specialist doctors and timely treatment without facing difficulties.
ABVP JNU president Mayank Panchal said the Health Centre was established for students' convenience and questioned the alleged treatment of activists who visited the facility to raise concerns.
ABVP JNU secretary Praveen Kumar Piyush also described healthcare as a basic requirement for students and called for improvements in the centre's medical infrastructure and services.
According to ABVP, more than 80 hours after the sit-in began, the university administration had not provided a concrete resolution to its demands.
The organisation has also called for the resignation of Chief Medical Officer Dr Fauzia and staff member Ashish, whom it has named in connection with its grievances.
ABVP has said the JNU Protest will continue indefinitely until it receives what it considers concrete action on the demands.
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