AMU caught in security set-up row

A move to enhance the existing security system at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has triggered a row between Vice-Chancellor PK Abdul Azis and the executive council members.

The AMU recently invited tenders for 433 trained security personnel, including 37 gunmen, besides CCTV surveillance system (wireless), a central monitoring station and other hi-tech equipment, comprising walkie-talkie sets, metal detectors, etc.

The EC members expressed concern over the deployment of security personnel and installation of hi-tech equipment in the campus. In a letter to the VC, they sought a detailed discussion on the matter in the next Council meeting on June 21.

AMU witnessed violence after a second year engineering student was murdered in September last year, forcing its closure for nearly two months.

For the first time in its history, AMU demanded a huge deployment of paramilitary forces to control the unrest.

Azis told Hindustan Times, “I won’t offer any comments at this moment. The matter has been included in the list of items on the agenda for the meeting on June 21. Whatever I have to say, I will say there only.” Azis completes one year at AMU on June 11.

The EC members termed as “illegal” the entire exercise. “…we have very serious apprehension about the outcome and likely fallout of the postings of such security personnel and as such we consider it our duty to acquaint you about our serious concern and specially about our feeling that all this exercise is totally illegal and without any lawful authority,” read the letter signed by the members.

“All this paraphernalia seems to be more than adequate for a high security defence establishment. Why buy them for an educational institution and that too for AMU?” they asked.

Police sources in Aligarh said the tenders were government projects being implemented by the Union HRD ministry. A committee, comprising UP DGP and other officials, was taking care of the entire process.