JNU students screen banned BBC documentary on Modi despite warning
JNUSU slams university’s stance, labeling it attack on fundamental rights
New Delhi: Defying warnings from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, students at the university screened the banned BBC documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the documentary, which has faced government censure, critiques Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Attempts to screen it had previously triggered protests at JNU and Delhi University in January 2023, with students accusing authorities of stifling dissent.
The screening was organized by the Left-backed All India Students’ Federation (AISF) at JNU’s Ganga Dhaba. Initially planned for projection on a large screen, the event faced disruptions as security personnel allegedly damaged the projector. Determined to proceed, the organizers shifted to a laptop screening, drawing a significant crowd under the watchful eyes of campus security.
On the eve of the screening, the JNU administration issued an advisory warning that such activities could “disrupt communal harmony” and pledged strict disciplinary action against violators. Despite the directive, AISF leaders accused the administration of attempting to silence criticism of the government.
“The administration and security personnel tried to stifle dissent, even resorting to manhandling students and damaging equipment. But the students stood firm, asserting their right to freedom of speech and protest,” an AISF representative said.
In a statement, the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) condemned the university’s stance, labeling it an attack on fundamental rights.
“It is hypocritical for the administration to suppress screenings critical of the government while allowing films that propagate the RSS-BJP agenda,” the JNUSU stated.
The statement referenced films like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files, which were screened without interference despite their divisive narratives.
