CCS Haryana Agricultural University: Standoff continues as two rounds of talks remain inconclusive

The demonstrators have been opposing changes to the stipend eligibility criteria for postgraduate and doctoral scholars, stressing that financial assistance is essential for continuing their education.

Based on a complaint filed by an injured student, Dipanshu, police arrested Assistant Professor Radhey Shyam and booked seven others, including Registrar Dr Pawan Kumar and Chief Security Officer Sukhbir Singh.

In response to the incident, the Haryana government formed a four-member committee comprising Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Cabinet ministers Ranbir Gangwa and Krishan Bedi, and BJP MLA Randhir Panihar. A seven-hour meeting was held Saturday between the committee and a delegation of students.

Following the meeting, student representative Arun Rajput said they had demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Dr B R Kamboj, the dismissal of those involved in the assaults, the continuation of scholarships, and assurance that no disciplinary action would be taken against student protesters.

Rajput noted that while the ministers expressed an agreement, the meeting remained inconclusive.

Minister Mahipal Dhanda described the discussion as “positive,” emphasising that the students are “our children.”

He stated that the students would share their response with the committee the following day.

A subsequent meeting on Sunday again ended without a solution, as students reiterated their demand for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.

Meanwhile, Minister Gangwa urged students not to be swayed by political influences and cautioned political parties against interfering with students’ futures.

Amidst the deadlock, students have announced a “Justice for Students” mahapanchayat on June 24 in Hisar, inviting farmers, employees, and traders to support their movement.