AMU V-C writes open letter on campus violence, alleges smear campaign

My dear AMU students, parents and Aligs worldwide,

السلام  عليكم                                                               

1. I write about the recent deplorable incidents on the campus which have brought our glorious institution to disrepute. It was a grievous blow, but not mortal. We have AMU resilience and are taking remedial action. As you know well, earlier to the incident, there was no unrest on the campus. Nor was there any issue or demand raised by students which my team did not or could not address. It was a case of sudden, abrupt vandalism, hooliganism and violence committed by a handful of students in collusion with some expelled ex-students and non-student criminals.

2. We had been making slow and steady progress in achieving our cherished goal of becoming the No.1 University of the country by 2017. In one blow we have received a huge setback with demands from inimical parties that AMU be taken away from the hands of the community which established AMU.

3. For the last four years teaching and examinations had been conducted smoothly and on time. The university convocation and other activities were held in a befitting manner. AMU had been ranked consistently by international and national agencies as one of the top universities of the country. NAAC awarded "A" grade to our University in recognition of the valuable academic and co-curricular activities carried out by the AMU community. We were resilient enough, that on the next day of the highly regrettable violence on the campus, the national level BTech/BArch Entrance Test was successfully conducted at the AMU. Thousands of outstation candidates and their parents had gathered and we had to save the honour of our university. All this underscores the fact that the vast majority of our students are sincerely committed to their studies and stand by their alma mater.

4. When I assumed the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, four years ago, I was determined that we would never allow the university to be closed, even for a single day. I stand by this commitment. I also felt that we should keep the police out of the campus. Criminal activity has however compelled me to review this decision. I find that a large number of students lead nocturnal lives. They stay up late, miss early morning classes and sleep well past 9am. I am ordering that with effect from May 1, 2016 the Library will be closed at midnight and all entry/exit points in the university will be closed. This will discourage “Dhaba” culture and inculcate discipline.

5. The unfortunate incident, calls for remedial actions and introspection on our part. I appeal to parents in particular to infuse morals and values into their children. We need an effective tarbiat (moral training) at home, premised on religious teachings, moral code and rule of law. Our teachers have this same responsibility too. Good, law-abiding behaviour is essential for our own survival.

Grievances, if any, should be reported by students and I assure you that these will be addressed speedily. There is no excuse for indulging in violence. No indiscipline will be tolerated. Our residential life has been of immense pride to us and to the thousands of AMU Alumni, across the world. Let us not allow the destruction of this glorious institution of hostel life, which was very dear to our founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The AMU spends huge amounts of the University funds on running and maintaining hostels. We are building new ones to improve living conditions. Let us pledge that we will not permit any misuse of our hostel facilities. Students’ vigilance on this count will help us run the University better. Let us all dedicate ourselves to the important goals of carving out a bright, prosperous future and nation building. I am sure you will extend your hand of help and cooperation to me in this mission.

6. I request you not to fall prey to the smear campaign by disgruntled elements. They should come out in the open and substantiate the charges being levelled. If proved, I have no moral authority to remain at the helm of this great seat of learning. Till I remain Vice-Chancellor we will not falter or fail. Allah will clear the path, Inshallah.

LT GEN Zameer Uddin Shah, PVSM, SM, VSM, (Veteran) Vice-Chancellor