HCU: Student unrest at Central University leads to extreme tension

Hyderabad Central University (HCU) has once again come under fire over the privatization of its lands. Students have been protesting against reports that the government is trying to sell these lands to private companies. On Sunday, during the Ugadi festival, a large police force was deployed on the campus and the situation became tense as JCBs were used to level the lands.

Student protest – police arrests

The students strongly opposed this move and staged large-scale protests. When the police entered the campus and tried to level the land, hundreds of students stood in the way of the JCBs. As the students' protest gradually intensified, the police resorted to force. The police arrested 52 students and shifted them to Madhapur, Kollur and Gachibowli police stations. As per the government's pre-plan,Work to privatize 400 acres of campus land begins in earnest on Ugadi festival day. Since Sunday was a holiday, the university's main gate was locked and bulldozers were driven inside to avoid any suspicion from students. However, the students responded immediately and stopped the process of leveling the land. Police were deployed in large numbers in the university. All the internal roads of the campus were closed with barricades, preventing anyone from entering from outside and preventing those inside from leaving. When the students protested strongly against this, the police forcefully arrested them and took them to the stations.

Political turmoil over HCU lands

Student unions and political parties have criticized the matter. The students have issued warnings saying, “We will not tolerate the sale of HCU lands to private individuals.” Some political parties are also supporting the students. Do not hand over HCU lands to private companies. Police interference should be stopped immediately. The arrested students should be released immediately. The government should consider the just demands of the students. It remains to be seen how the government deals with the students’ protest. It is reported that the students have decided to intensify their agitation. The university land dispute is likely to take on a more political hue. Students’ agitation Students and leaders of student unions are expressing concern over this government’s behavior. They are saying that they should keep quiet if they are going to privatize the university lands.