JNU boiling again, this time for restricting Wi-Fi use
What's the story
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has intensified its crackdown on students. The university has banned the use of Wi-Fi by students for watching news, music and protest videos on YouTube. Earlier this week, it penalized five students for cooking biryani in front of the administration building, an incident that happened in June. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) has called it a "politically motivated move."
Reaction
An attack on free academic thought: JNUSU
According to the JNUSU, they can no longer access, through the university's Wi-Fi, any website or video link that has "anti-government content". Calling it an attack on free academic thought and alleging that they can now watch only cartoons online, students slammed the university's move on social media on Saturday. The ban also restricts JNU presidential debates and speeches of student leaders.
Details
Recent points of conflict between JNU administration and students
JNU has been on the boil ever since its intolerance row last year sparked a nationwide debate. What started in 2016 never really stopped. Lately, the university has seen students' protest for cutting down seats in its MPhil/PhD courses, practicing corruption in appointing teachers, and announcing the installation of an army tank on campus to instil patriotism among students.