JNU sends show-cause to Umar for movie screening without permission last year

New Delhi

A day after left-wing extremism affected Jawaharlal Nehru University had sent show-cause notice to communist student Anirban Bhattacharya for participation in controversial screening of a film on Muzaffarnar riots last August, the varsity today issued a similar note to Umar Khalid asking him to explain his position.

Both Anirban and Umar are already under rustication in connection with the controversial February 9 event against hanging of Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

The fresh notices have been issued to the duo in connection with screening of documentary “Muzaffarngar abhi baqi hai” without permission from the university.

Communists gripped JNU Students Union has planned a screening of the same documentary tonight in protest.

“A complaint against you was received in Chief Proctor’s office in August, 2015. It has been alleged that you were involved in participation in screening of a documentary-film ‘Muzaffarnagar abhi baqi hai’ without permission of the administration near Godvari dhaba,” the notice issued to Umar read.

“You are directed to appear before the Proctor on May 4 and explain your position in this regard. You may also bring your evidence which you may wish to submit in your defence,” it added.

Following protests by ABVP, JNU had in last August stopped the screening of a documentary on the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots saying no permission was sought for the event. The movie was shown by the Democratic Students’ Federation, however, both Anirban and Umar do not belong to that group.

With inputs from agency