JAMMU: The pen down strike of teachers in Jammu University entered the 10th day, however, the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Umesh Rai is still not ready to end stalemate between Jammu University Teachers Association and varsity authorities.
The JUTA is observing complete pen down strike in support of CBI probe as well as removal of officers prima facie responsible for death of Professor Chandra Shekhar.
In support of their demands, the agitating members of JUTA on Friday gathered in front VC’s office complex and take out a peace march around the campus to mark the 10th day remembrance of Shekhar’s demise.
Holding placards, the teachers chanted “Shanti Paath” and prayed for the departed soul. On the occasion, the office bearers of JUTA reiterated that JUTA believes in “Zero tolerance against sexual harassment” and anyone who indulges in such activities must be punished by strictly adhering to rule of law.
The JUTA members were of the view that as the gravity of the matter surrounding death of Shekhar is very intense, hence it should be thoroughly investigated by CBI, said Prof. Pankaj Srivastav, JUTA President.
Further, the teachers demanded that the procedural lapse in the case should also be probed and responsible persons be removed from their official positions, reads press communique issued by JUTA.
Further, the statement said that JUTA also took a conscious decision that as the JUET examination is for the admission for the University and hence keeping the interest of the students in view they will not demand any postponement of the JUET. However, the university teachers decided not to perform any examination duty including JUET.
It is pertinent to mention that the Teachers’ Association of SKUAST-J has extended their support to the Jammu University Teachers’ Association in our protest against the procedural lapses that lead to the death of our colleague, said Prof. Srivastav.
JUTA welcomes support from the teaching fraternity of SKUAST-J and hopes that more support from different academic and social organizations as well as civil society at large will pour in.
The secretary of the Association Dr Ravinder Singh informed that the JUTA will be holding its GBM on September 19th 2022 to discuss further course of action.