Students Collective Rejects CAA; Stands Against Militarization Of Campuses
New Delhi: Taking a resolute stance against the recent decision of the central government to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, the Students Collective, representing student leaders from various universities and organisations, released a joint press statement strongly opposing the move.
The Collective asserted that the CAA directly opposes the fundamental principles of equality, secularism, and inclusivity written in the Indian Constitution.
The decision to grant citizenship based on religious grounds while excluding a significant minority, particularly Muslims, has been met with strong condemnation from the student community. By linking the implementation of CAA with the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the government risks marginalising vulnerable Muslim minorities, a move opposed by the Collective, which calls it discriminatory.
The Students Collective also observed the timing of the announcement of CAA as an attempt to exploit communal sentiments for political gain. They believe that divisive agendas such as the CAA undermine the principles of unity and development the government preaches. “It is evident that the government lacks confidence in its “Sabka Saat, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Viswas” developmental agendas,” read the statement.
The statement also highlights the increasing militarization of campuses with instances of heavy police and paramilitary presence and police intrusions within educational institutions. Reports of arbitrary detentions of students, particularly in institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Delhi University (DU), have sparked concern among students. The collusion between campus administrations and law enforcement agencies in targeting students is viewed as a gross violation of democratic principles and student rights, as per the statement.
The Students Collective has issued a call to action, urging all stakeholders and concerned citizens to prioritise the protection of constitutional values and the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religion or background. The Collective emphasises the importance of upholding the secular fabric of the nation and preserving the rights and dignity of every individual.
The statement was issued by student leaders including Abdullah Faiz (SIO), Prasenjeet Kumar (AISA), Alfauz (Fraternity Movement), and Pushpendra (BAPSA).
