Guwahati: The recent disruption and vandalism of a student play at Savitribai Phule Pune University by members of the ABVP, a student organization affiliated to the RSS and BJP, has ignited concerns about the growing suppression of freedom of expression in India.
Incident at Savitribai Phule Pune University:
On February 2, the play “Jab We Met,” staged as an exam assignment at the university’s Fine Arts Center, was disrupted by ABVP members. Following the incident, FIRs were filed against Professor Pravin Dattatreya Bhole and five students, leading to their arrest.
Notably, the university administration appeared to side with the agitators, deeming the play “completely wrong and prohibited.” This raises questions about the neutrality and autonomy of educational institutions.
Similar Incident at Sayajirao University:
This incident echoes a similar event in 2022 at Sayajirao University in Vadodara, Gujarat, where ABVP members vandalized an art exhibition, leading to the dismissal of a student and warnings issued to faculty members. This pattern suggests a systematic targeting of artistic and academic expression deemed offensive by certain groups.
Attack on Journalist Nikhil Wagle and Colleagues:
Adding to the concerns, senior journalist Nikhil Wagle and his colleagues were detained and attacked by a mob of BJP workers while on their way to deliver a lecture on February 9. This incident highlights the increasing violence faced by individuals critical of the government and its affiliated groups.
Janwadi Lekhak Sangh Condemns Attacks:
The Janwadi Lekhak Sangh (JLS), a writers’ organization, has strongly condemned these attacks, calling them “direct attacks on freedom of expression.”
“These attacks are direct attacks on freedom of expression. For the past several years, writers and intellectuals who have questioned the government have been targeted,” JLS said in a statement.
The statement was issued by Sudha Arora, Chairman, Maharashtra, JLS, Mukhtar Khan, Secretary, Maharashtra, JLS, Hridayesh Mayank , Central Council Member, JLS, Subodh More, Central Council Member, JLS, Shailesh Singh , Central Council Member, JLS and Sanjay Bhise, Central Council Member, JLS.
They demanded strict action against the perpetrators, withdrawal of charges against the professor and students at Pune University, and an end to the suppression of dissent.
Maharashtra Government’s Role Under Scrutiny:
The role of the Maharashtra government in these incidents is also under scrutiny, with concerns about its perceived ambiguity and potential inaction, JLS alleged.
The JLS demands stricter police action against the attackers and a clear stance from the government on upholding freedom of expression.
The JLS Maharashtra State Committee has appealed to all artists and writers to openly oppose this oppression. This emphasizes the need for collective action and solidarity in defending fundamental rights.